Michael "Mike" Rudnick

Michael Alexander Rudnick was born August 15, 1931, at home, in West Bank Township, Swift County, Minnesota, the son of Michael and Balbina (Sadergaski) Rudnick.  He was baptized August 22, 1931, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Holloway, Minnesota.  Baptismal sponsors were Joseph Kurkowski and Veronica Kurkowski.  Mike attended District 96 country school until the 8th grade.  He worked as a farm-hand until joining the United States Marine Corps in 1952.  He fought in the Korean Conflict from 1952-1954 and was very proud of his service.

He was united in marriage to Lois Johanna Westhausen on December 18, 1965, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Shible Township.  He was raised Catholic but as an adult converted to the Lutheran faith and was confirmed in 1966 at Immanuel, Shible.  He worked most of his adult life as a truck driver; milk truck, over the road and delivery.  Some of his employers included Waldon's Warehouse, Borstad’s, Willmar Cookie Company, C. W. Bowers, Appleton Creamery, Menards, Municipal Casting Inc., Roger Moen, Johnson Trucking and West Con.  He loved over-the-road trucking and seemed to frequently run in to local residents in other parts of the country!  He was a proud and active member of V.F.W. Post #4955.  He enjoyed collecting toy tractors, going to auction sales finding "treasures" for his wife, and he liked to read Westerns, especially Louis L'Amour.

Mike passed away Saturday, December 16, 2017 in Appleton Area Health Services- Care Center.  He attained 86 years, 4 months, and 1 day of age.  He is survived by his wife, Lois Rudnick of Appleton; children: Shari (Scot) Van Briesen of Appleton, Kevin (Marcy) Rudnick of Appleton, David (Tanya) Rudnick of Appleton; 14 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; sister, Alice Hess of Morris; sister-in-law, Judith (Courtney) Berthiaume of Lakewood, WA; brother-in-law, Eldon (Renee) Westhausen of Bloomfield, IN; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Balbina Rudnick; son, Jon Rudnick; brother, Clarence Rudnick; parents-in-law, Bernhard and Rose (Haben) Westhausen.

Blessed be the memory of Michael Rudnick.