Vicki Gluck

Vicki M. Gluck, 66, of Waukon passed away peacefully at home with her niece, Candy Mannette, Friday, December 1, 2023. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, December 12 at 11 a.m. at Oakland Cemetery in Waukon, with Pastor Grant VanderVelden officiating. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling the arrangements.

Vicki Marie Gluck was born in Waukon March 20, 1957. She was diagnosed at birth with mild Down Syndrome. Her parents, Edward “Eddie” Gluck and Marie Louise (Ludeking) Gluck, had been married since December 21, 1935, and had Vicki many years later in life. She was raised alone by her mother after her father sadly passed away in 1960, when Vicki was only three years old.

Marie dedicated her life to watching Vicki, and Vicki also became a big help to her mother. She would do daily chores and help her mom with gardening, weeding and vacuuming. They led a quiet life and didn’t do much traveling, but enjoyed weekend visits from relatives. She worked at TASC from July 6, 1977 until she retired May 20, 2018. Vicki loved TASC and it became her second family. Her job at TASC was making rugs on the loom. She loved this job and took much pride in her work. She was very adept on the loom and produced hundreds of beautiful rugs showcased in many family homes and sold by TASC, Inc.

Vicki was a member of the Waukon Wellness Center and enjoyed walking around the track for exercise. Her other hobbies included bowling, cutting up paper into strips, playing “UNO” and cards, doing word search books and singing along to her favorite show, The Lawrence Welk Show. When she sang, Vicki sang with her whole heart! She also loved her blind dog “Cookie” and many stuffed animals and dolls, including a special bunny from her great-nephew, Derek. She loved the Packers, strawberry ice cream, and having a Mountain Dew.

One special occasion Vicki was proud of was being a bridesmaid in Kayla Ness’ wedding. Vicki often talked about getting married and this event was special to her. She had a strong bond with Kayla, as well as many TASC employees, including Tonia Ward-Guchshenkov.

Vicki especially loved to celebrate her birthdays and would light up on her special day! In the last few years, dementia had taken over but, on her birthday, a light switch would be turned on and Vicki would celebrate with clapping and singing and thoroughly enjoyed the celebration. She loved the holidays and her family spoiled her on these special occasions.

Vicki graduated from eighth grade in Decorah. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and was an active member with her mother for many years until her mother passed away September 23, 2010. After Vicki’s mother passed, her brother, Gilbert “Bertie” Gluck, took over raising her.

Gilbert and his wife, Fay, relocated to Waukon from Atwater, CA to help take care of Vicki. Due to their failing health, Vicki’s niece, Candy Mannette, was asked to take care of the family and took guardianship of her in 2004, and lovingly took care of her until her death.

Candy’s family became Vicki’s new family. She grew up with her great-great-niece, Haley Rochin. Vicki loved Haley and enjoyed coloring and playing school with her on a daily basis, with Haley being the teacher. The entire family took part in watching Vicki, including Candy’s eldest daughter, Erica Mannette, whom Vicki loved dearly. She was also especially proud of her new great-great-nephew, Jackson Thomas, who was born in 2018. Vicki would tell everyone who would listen about “Jackson Thomas”.

Candy would leave occasionally to visit her daughter, Brittany Casas, in California, and these were the rare occasions Candy was away from Vicki. Vicki finally got to meet her great-great-nephew, Jackson, and great-great-niece, Olivia, when they came to visit in May of 2023.

Vicki had the biggest heart of any human being but could also be very stubborn. She liked doing things the same way every time. Vicki was loved by many and will be truly missed. Her favorite saying was, “The Sun’s coming out!”

Survivors include her niece, Candy Mannette of Waukon; two great-nieces, Erica Mannette, and her daughter, Haley Rochin, of Waukon, and Brittany (Mike) Casas and her children, Jackson and Olivia, of Rocklin, CA; a nephew, Kim (Shannon) Bernatz of Waukon; a great-nephew, Derek Bernatz of Waukon; an uncle, Alfred Ludeking of Decorah; and many great-nieces and great-nephews and cousins, including Heidi, Rachel and Heather Ludeking.

Honorary casketbearer is Alfred Ludeking. Casketbearers are Erica Mannette, Derek Bernatz and other family members.

Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.