Lee James Ruecker, a long-time resident of Mission Viejo passed away on February 16, 2025 after a very long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Lee was born on July 22, 1940 in Saint Paul Minnesota to Herb and Irene Ruecker, the third of five children. In 1956, the family moved to the Long Beach area, where Lee attended Torrance high school. It was there that he met Priscilla “Pat” Husson, the love of his life.

Lee attended California State University, Long Beach and was graduated with a degree in music. While in school, he worked in the aerospace industry and in 1960, Lee and Pat were married. They settled in Torrance and soon had two daughters, René and Dawn.

Lee, Pat, and the girls bought their first home in 1967 in a new development where they were one of the first 100 families to call Mission Viejo home. They considered it a move to the country! He often commented on having to drive to Gemco in Santa Ana for groceries and of the 405 freeway ending at Euclid Avenue.

That same year, Lee and Pat became founding members of Mount of Olives Lutheran Church, the first church in Mission Viejo. Lee and his family were active and influential members. He directed the choir for many years, sang and played piano at services and events, and served as a counsel member. Both of his daughters were married, and his four grandchildren were baptized at the Mount of Olives. Having attended both Cursillo and Marriage Encounter he sponsored many others to attend these personal growth and service retreats.

His next-door neighbor Darryl Linder convinced Lee to go into the financial services industry and in 1971 Lee joined The Equitable for a very successful 40-year career. In the1970's, long before Diversity/Equity/Inclusion (DEI), Lee won Equitable's national campaign with a district made up entirely of women of different ethnicities and faiths. He was a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).

Lee was very active in his community. He was in the Jolly Mixers Square Dancers with his wife and daughters. He loved participating in Toastmasters International. He served as President of The Deane Club neighborhood recreation center.

Lee belonged to an amateur group “The Entertainers,” where his love of music and skill as a performer thrived. They performed at numerous venues in South Orange County for many years.

Lee and Pat were avid members of the Southern California Miata Club. They enjoyed going on trips and getting to know scores of other Miata club members.

In 2009, the American Red Cross honored Lee as a hero for giving blood multiple times each year for fifty years - since 1959. He was also an early participant in the Apheresis (platelet) Donation Program. His gifts surely saved many lives.

Lee and Pat bought a second home in North Fork, California at the southern gate of Yosemite in 2010, so they could again live in the country! Because of his increasing cognitive problems, they moved back to Mission Viejo in 2019. The last three years of his life were spent with his wife of 65 years in assisted living in Laguna Hills.

Lee was an intelligent, educated, talented, loving, and beloved Christian man. Lee cared for and took care of his family and friends. He never held a grudge or spoke ill of others. Lee will truly be missed.

His memorial service will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, April 26th, at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 24231 El Toro Rd, Laguna Woods, CA 92637. Luncheon will follow in the church social hall. Please take a moment to RSVP.

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