Rudy Tekaucic

Rudy Tekaucic, age 70, of Tuscarawas Twp., Massillon, passed away suddenly and peacefully at his home on the morning of Sunday, February 4. No funeral or interment services are being held. However, the family will receive friends at a “Celebration of Life” memorial service planned for Saturday February 24 at 2:00pm at the Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home in Massillon, Ohio. All family, friends and associates are welcome to attend. Rudy was born on May 17, 1936, in Cleveland, Ohio, the eldest of five children of the late Rudolph and Frances (Zobec) Tekaucic. He graduated from Wadsworth High School in 1954 and from The Ohio State University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts in Geology. While at Ohio State, he met his wife Aileen, daughter of the late Leon Dale and Leila Jeanne Stevens of Newark (St. Louisville), Ohio, whom he married on April 30, 1960. He was a member and president of the Kappa Chapter of Kappa Delta Rho Fraternity, member of the OSU Men’s Soccer team and worked for Rockwell International in Whitehall (Columbus). Rudy joined Texaco, Inc. (Chevron-Texaco) in 1965, serving as an industrial lubrication engineer and area manager. He retired in 1996. He was a Life Member of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers. He spent his post-retirement years as a petroleum industry consultant for Equilon Enterprises, Shell Petroleum and others. Rudy and his family moved to the Tuslaw area in 1972. He had many endeavors and affiliations in community service in the area. His involvement included the JayCee’s (Canal Fulton), Tuslaw Lions Club, Tuslaw-Fairless Little League Baseball, the Tuslaw Pony League, and Tuslaw Crimewatch, as well as many others. He was also involved in the Boy Scouts of America Buckeye Council, receiving the Silver Beaver in 1988. He received the Distinguished Service Award as Board President for the Mental Health Center of Western Stark County in 1983. He was also involved in the Stark Parks Trailblazers, Rezzy-Fest, The Wilderness Center (Wilmot) as a docent for the Geology Rockwalk, the Massillon Tourism Council, Massillon Area Chamber of Commerce, and member of the Stark County Democratic Party as well as presiding elections judge for many years. He was also a member of the Appalachian Trail Association, and The Ohio State University Alumni Association. Rudy greatly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He had a passionate love for nature, and was an avid reader, traveler, camper, hiker, rock hunter and cyclist. He also enjoyed doing geologic and historical research. Rudy was preceded in death by father Rudolph Joseph, mother Frances Joanne, and daughter Tamara Angela. He is survived by wife P. Aileen of Massillon, sons Val-Christopher and Kurt Andrew (Mary), grandsons Kyle Alexander and Zane Tugger, and granddaughter Kelsea Allyssa, all of Columbus. He is also survived by brothers James (Vicky) of Medina, Robert (Peggy) of Norton, sisters Joan (Robert) Longberry of Columbus, and Nancy (Jerry) Davis of Brewster. He also has a surviving aunt Florence Laznik of Cleveland as well as a number of cousins, nephews and nieces, and many friends, acquaintances and associates throughout the country. Rudy’s final request was that in lieu of flowers for the memorial service, contributions may be made to the Massillon Museum, Massillon Area Greenways, Inc. (MAGI), The Wilderness Center, or the charity of choice. Condolences can be made through the Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home website at www.arnoldlynch.com. Rudy will be greatly missed by all. Arnold-Lynch A Golden Rule Funeral Home (330)833-4839