Ruzicka, Thomas A., (The Old Man) fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, Friday, September 20, 2019.

Devoted husband of Charlotte L. Ruzicka; beloved father of Thomas, Anne Coleman, Robert (Jennifer), Andrew, Kevin, and Matthew; dear grandfather of Jocelyn, Henry, Matilda, and Lola Ruzicka; Beloved son of the late Frank and Mary E. Ruzicka (nee Hejlek); dear brother of Mary Schwan, Fran (Wanda) Ruzicka, Brother Robert Joseph Ruzicka, OFM, Elaine (Mike) Donovan, Steve Ruzicka (Theresa Tsai Liu), Tony (Mary) Ruzicka, and the late Judy Ruzicka; our dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend. Tom donated his body to the Gift Body Program at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Saint Anthony of Padua Church, 3140 Meramec Street, St. Louis, MO 63118 on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 11:00 am.

Our special thanks to the Mercy Hospice Team for their dedication and loving care of Tom during his final months.

If inclined, we would appreciate Masses for Tom or memorial contributions to help the poor Athabascan communities in the fishing villages along the Yukon River.

Our Lady of Snows Church

c/o Brother Robert Joseph Ruzicka, OFM

PO Box 89

Nulato, AK 99765

Tom lived a simple life. He always worked hard (often in pain) and made great sacrifices for his family and to help others. Time won’t erase the memories of his love.

He was an avid reader; loved to fish; and never missed watching a John Wayne movie. He loved music and had an extensive record collection from the 60s that included everything from Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals to Elvis Presley, Johnny Mathis, Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass, and his favorite — Johnny Cash.

He always had a special place in his heart for animals – especially his dog, Sox, who quickly became a beloved member of the Ruzicka family when Tom brought him home from the animal shelter many years ago. His parakeet was his “buddy” – and his greatest enjoyment was to spend many quiet moments watching and identifying birds at the feeder outside his window. Seeing a hummingbird made his day.

Tom worked at American National Can for 30 years and was proud to achieve his goal of becoming a production mechanic. He always said that he was fortunate to be a member of the Steelworkers Union, because it put his kids through school, provided great health insurance for his family, and gave him some security in his retirement years.

Tom was blessed with length of years compared to some — and through those years he maintained a strong faith in God. We know that God was with him in his deepest struggles, and we trust that Tom now sees God’s glory unveiled in its fullness.

O Lord, support us all the day long,

until the shadows lengthen,

and the evening comes,

and the busy world is hushed,

and the fever of life is over,

and our work is done.

Then in your mercy,

grant us a safe lodging and a holy rest,

and peace at the last. Amen.

Blessed John Cardinal Henry Newman