Frank Tucek, Jr.

Frank Jerome Tucek Jr., loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend left this world peacefully on February 12, 2023, at age 86 at Rennes Health Center in Weston, WI, under care of family and Aspirus Hospice.

Frank was born to Eleanor (Davis) and Frank Jerome Tucek Sr. on November 10, 1936. A great lover of nature, Frank spent his childhood along with his four siblings roaming and exploring the fields and woods surrounding his parents' farmstead in Rib Mountain, WI.

After a stint in the US Marine Corps Frank enrolled in the University of Wisconsin Marathon Center where he met his future wife, Mary Chapiewsky. They were married on January 24, 1959. Together they had five children. Frank was a devoted family man, dedicated to providing all the best for his wife and children. He loved family vacations "up north," fishing with his kids and teaching them the secrets of the natural world.

Frank was a gifted analytical, creative problem solver and inventor. He spent his career working at the heavy equipment manufacturer Drott/Case IH. Starting as a draftsman he rose through the ranks to become an Engineer, Chief Engineer, Dept. Manager and Executive. He worked in the Woodlands division and was instrumental in the design of the Feller/Buncher logging machine. He (along with Drott Mfg.) held patents on parts of the mechanics. Frank loved the analytical and creative process of his job. He nourished many lifelong friendships with his colleagues both here and abroad.

Frank was blessed with a long and productive retirement. He had a shop built in Ringle, WI, where he was able to garden and pursue his artistic and musical passions. He was a talented woodworker, building beautifully crafted furniture which he generously gifted to family and friends. Frank was also a master woodcarver. He produced dozens of carvings over the years which demonstrated his talent and often his sharp sense of humor. Frank was a great lover of music and played numerous brass instruments. He especially enjoyed playing along with his grandchildren when they would come to visit him at his shop. Always humble, he was never boastful of his innumerable talents.

Frank was truly a man of integrity, kindness, creativity and humor, who was beloved by all those who were blessed to have known him. His gentle soul will be sorely missed.

Frank is survived by four of his children - Ann (Cary) Bush, John Tucek, Molly (Eric) Gunderson, and Thomas Tucek; six grandchildren - Joshua Tucek, Daniel Tucek, Amanda Tucek, Katie (Braydan) Coffing, Matthew Bush, and Eric Bush; a great grandchild, Nora Coffing and another great grandson due any day. He is also survived by three of his siblings Margaret Koebke, Carol (Glenn) Conover, and Linda (William) Hellings.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Tucek, son Peter Tucek, and brother Donald Tucek, as well as many close friends and colleagues.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday February 27, at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 709 Weston Ave, Wausau. Vicar Pat Kempf will officiate. Visitation will take place from 10:00 am until the time of services at the church. Burial will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery. Family and friends are asked to go to www.brainardfuneral.com to leave words of remembrance and online condolences.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Ann Bush c/o Brainard Funeral Home to be used towards the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.