Tom Rysticken

Tom Rysticken, age 79 of Two Rivers, passed away unexpectedly Friday evening, January 6, 2023.

Tom was born in Manitowoc on May 18, 1943, to Leo and Mabel (Strouf) Rysticken. He was a graduate of Manitowoc Lincoln High School and then went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from UW-Oshkosh. In the meantime, he married the love of his life, Lynn Valleskey, on July 1, 1967 and spent the next 55 years by her side. He became an educator in Beaver Dam, but was soon after hired by the Two Rivers School District as a high school math/science teacher. Tom formed the weightlifting club at Washington High School and funded it through an annual Raider pancake feed that took place for over 25 years. In 1992 he started the Marine Ecology Class which is still taking students down to Key Largo Florida to this day. He also dedicated much of his time to coaching football and track throughout the years. Washington High School is where he would spend the rest of his 31 year professional career before retiring in 1998. Committed to brightening the future of our youth, he was also one of the first lifetime members of the local Optimist Club.

Tom was an avid hunter and fisherman and took great pleasure in spending time in nature. For this reason, he became a lifetime member of the Shoto Conservation Club and served as club president for 27 years. He also enjoyed working with his hands, which motivated him to help build houses on mission trips with Grace Congregational Church. He loved making people laugh with his quick wit and sarcastic sense of humor.

Survivors include his wife, Lynn Rysticken; his son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Nancee Rysticken of Two Rivers; two daughters and sons-in-law, Kris and Drew Sapinski of Germantown, Kathy and Chad Shimulunas of Sheboygan; and four grandchildren, Josh and Emilee Rysticken; Aubree and Ashlyn Sapinski. He is further survived by two sisters-in-law: Marilyn Rysticken of Manitowoc and Sharon Broehm of Arizona; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Mabel Rysticken; two brothers & a sister-in-law: Richard (Lorraine) Rysticken and Jim Rysticken; one brother-in-law, Carl Broehm; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Malcolm and Bernice Valleskey.

A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Friday, January 13, 2023 at Grace Congregational United Church of Christ, 2801 Garfield Street, Two Rivers. Rev. Dr. Colie Bettivia will preside at the service. Cremation has taken place.

The family will greet relatives and friends at Grace Congregational Church Friday afternoon from 2:00 p.m. until 4:45 p.m.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.dejamartin.com.

Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels of Two Rivers is assisting the Rysticken family with funeral arrangements.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the 1st Responders and all Emergency Personnel for their quick response and life saving efforts. The support and comfort extended to our family is greatly appreciated.