Dennis Rudolf

Dennis Rudolf

June 19, 1948 - January 26, 2021

Send Flowers

Obituary

Dennis Paul Rudolf “Rudy”, 72, Bowdle, SD died Wednesday January 27, 2021 at the St. Luke’s Avera Hospital in Aberdeen, SD. His good old heart wore out.

Dennis was born June 19, 1948 at Bismarck, ND the son of Paul Edwin Rudolf and Irene (Heupel) Rudolf of rural McIntosh County.   He grew up on the farm and attended a few years of country school and graduated from the Wishek High School in 1966. He attended college in Ellendale until being drafted.

He entered the US Marine Corp, serving in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged as Lieutenant Corporal. We were so very proud of him.

His life was spent driving over the road trucking and custom combining. Hs enjoyed truck stop diners, playing pinocle with his family and enjoyed German food. He made many friends over his life time.

He is survived by his brother Curtis (Mary Beth) Rudolf, Mandan, ND; sister Lois (her friend, Jon Lindberg) Humann, Jamestown, ND; nephews, Philip (Cristen Voeltz) Humann, Moorhead, MN, Michael Humann, Fargo, ND, niece, Mindy(Andy) Wachter, and children, Ryker and Haddie, Burnsville, MN; 1 uncle, Elmer Heupel, Spring Hills, FL; many cousins; 2 special friends, Janet Wipf, his personal secretary and Aldeen Sundmeier, a fellow OTR driver.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step father, Daniel Just, brother-in-law, Gordon Humann.

His phone ending “Well, OK then dear” will forever be in my heart.

Events

There are no events for Dennis yet.

Photos

Add photos
of Dennis
No photos of Dennis have been shared yet.

Memories

Add a memory of
Dennis
RO
Rita and Jim Ost
Other •
Condolences to the family
JW
JoAnn Johnny Wipf
Other •
So sorry to hear of Dennis passing on may God be with you.
RV
Ron Vossler
Other •
Dennis was my classmate, relative ( our grannies were sisters), and he used to give me rides back to wishek, when we attended Ellendale together fir a time. We palled around at prairie keg parties, played basketball in the wishek park during summers. Sharp as a whip, one of the quickest minds: he didnt need to study. Our English teacher mr. Olig called him wheels because he was always driving around in his car. Loss of his dad threw him for a loop. He had a searching mind, would kind of look at you sideways and ask questions. I remember when he came home from marine boot camp, wearing a stocking cap. He loved his curly hair, and hated having people see him without his hair. He told me about his time in Viet Nam, the ARVNs he fought alongside, and how he struggled with those demons. He was a prairie guy with a good heart. Rest In Peace. Now you and Steve and Larry and Tom Humann are all safe in heaven.<br>What a reunion!!
TF
Tim Fetzer
Other •
Sorry to hear about Dennis..he was always a fun loving guy. Thank you Ron for keeping us in the loop.
JM
Jerry Moser
Other •
Jerry Moser lit a candle for
SC
Stellla (Schnabel) Chamberlain
Other •
I got to know Dennis when we were among the first group of farm kids that were bussed to "town school" in Wishek. He was a strong-willed, self-confident guy with an independent streak, but who could also do the kindest things -- like agree to be "homecoming marshal" for a classmate in 8th grade. We totally lost track after high school, but it wasn't surprising that he would choose to do "real" things like pipe-welding and truck-driving. (He was called "Wheels" after all.) Dennis was always a keen observer of human nature. If he called you a friend, it was an honor. He'll surely be missed by the many friends he made along the way.

Share memorial