"Kim and I loved Don! We affectionately called him the Marlboro man because he was such a strong and handsome man just like the man in the commercial. He was one of those tough but tender men! He loved Jesus, his wife, his family, and friends. He was always kind and encouraging to Kim and myself and we loved it when he told us stories because he was such a good storyteller. We will miss him but we are so glad that he is now with the love of his life, is lovely bride Elaine! Pastor Pat and Kim Peglow"
In loving memory of
Donald Bruce Rudd
October 28, 1928 - August 8, 2021
Donald Bruce Rudd, age 92, of Cave Creek, AZ, surrounded by his loved ones, went to be with the Lord on August 8, 2021. Donald was born in Chicago, IL and was a long-time resident of Oak Lawn, IL. He was a beloved husband, father, papa, brother and friend. Donald was predeceased by his parents, Philip Rudd and Mary Rudd (Scott), his beautiful bride, Elaine Rudd (Skoda), his siblings John Rudd, Karen Rudd and Mary Anne Przybocki (Rudd). He is survived by his children: Donald Jr. and Jessica Rudd, Lisa Sanchez (Rudd), Doug and Susan Fox (Rudd), and four grandchildren: Samuel Sanchez, Alan Sanchez, AJ Fox and Ava Fox.
Donald was a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne, United States Army. He deeply loved our country. He especially loved the majesty of the Grand Tetons. He worked at Yellowstone National Park as a young man, where he made many fond memories. After he married Elaine in 1958, he attended the Illinois Institute of Technology where he received a degree in Civil Engineering. He worked as an Engineer and eventually a Project Superintendent for Paul H. Schwendener for over 40 years before retiring in 1993.
Donald cherished the time spent with loved ones at the family lake home in Three Rivers, Michigan. He also delighted in traveling the country with Elaine. They took many road trips visiting over 40 states. He moved out west (his lifelong dream) to Cave Creek, Arizona in 2014 after Elaine passed. Don's greatest passion was clearly flying. He found great pleasure watching air shows, and military aircraft. When the kids were young, he flew Cessna airplanes at Howell Airport in Crestwood, IL Sundays after church. One of his most memorable flying experiences was co-piloting a Piper airplane alongside a friend, on his 90th birthday over Phoenix, Arizona!
Donald liked to listen to his LP record collection on his vintage phonograph and dance with Elaine. He had an extremely generous spirit; he enjoyed giving big tips and helping out people in need (although never drew attention to this). Don had quite a sense of humor; he appreciated a good laugh. One of his favorite shows was "Everybody Loves Raymond". He also enjoyed the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts and in particular Don Rickles. A tall man, at 6' 2", many people mistook him for an actor; he resembled Jack Palance, Clint Eastwood, and the Marlboro man to name a few!
DBR was loved deeply, and will be sorely missed. However, the family is rejoicing that he is now in the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ, and with all those who passed before him. A friend stated recently "you just don't find too many like him anymore". Donald would give you the shirt off his back; he was a true gentleman, a dedicated patriot and a loyal friend.
Donald was a charitable man. Should you like to make a memorial gift in lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to one of his favorite charities:
St. Labre Indian School in Ashland, Montana, a charity dear to Donald's heart and one he contributed to for many years. www.stlabre.org. St. Labre Indian School Educational Association is an institution that provides quality education and outreach services to Native American youth and their families, specifically serving Native American Children of the Northern Cheyenne and Crow Reservations since 1884.
The Disabled American Veterans - DAV provides support programs & veteran services that empower them to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. www.HelpDAV.org DAV helps more than one million veterans each year in positive, life-changing ways, at no cost to them. When you support DAV, you support more victories for veterans.
Alternatively, the family will be gifting the Village of Oak Lawn with a park bench in Donald's memory. (Before moving out west, Don liked to take walks around the streets of Oak Lawn. He enjoyed getting out into the community to get exercise). Please email Susan sdfox@live.com if this is something you'd like to be a part of.
A Memorial Service to honor Donald will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.
https://youtu.be/UPpT-EqFofk