Curt D. Rude, 72, never took himself too seriously, felt honored to care for his grandchildren | Racine County Eye (2024)

Obituary for Curt D. Rude

October 1951 — July 17, 2024

Curt D. Rude, age 72, passed away at home, surrounded with the love of family, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Curt was the first born son of the late Douglas and Veronica “Vera” (née Goetz) Rude in Racine in October of 1951. He had a wonderful childhood growing up with his brothers, Scott and Mike.

He attended Saint Patrick’s Grade School, Washington Middle School and graduated from Horlick High School.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army by Uncle Sam during the Vietnam War. He served honorably in Germany and was trained as a Marksman – M16. While in the Army he received instruction in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning which led to his career path.

Starting out, he worked for a couple of companies until being hired by Martin Peterson in Kenosha. His career spanned almost 40 years and he made many friendships during that time.

Curt was blessed to have six amazing children in his life. All of them were loved and cherished by him. He was active in their lives as a coach for basketball and soccer, Boy Scout leader and mentor. Curt was so very proud of each and every one of them.

Curt was the “one” who many called on when there was a question, repair or someone in need of a listening ear. His mechanical abilities aided in fixing almost any problem. He was wise, patient, compassionate, knowledgeable, reliable, a good teacher and a great listener. If you needed something, he knew how to help.

In addition, he had a great sense of humor and never really took himself too seriously. He lived life with an attitude of doing his best in whatever life brought his way.

In the fall, Curt loved getting together with family and friends for bow and rifle deer hunting seasons. He loved the camaraderie and laughs shared with everyone there. It didn’t really matter if they didn’t even see a tail. It was being together and having a good time and laughing with those he loved that was most important.

He was able to enjoy retirement for over 10 years. During that time he was elated to welcome 12 grandchildren. They were the apple of his eyes. Getting to know each one brought him so much joy. He and Grandma were honored to provide childcare to them during the week.

It was magical to see Curt interact with his grandbabies. They spent lots of time at parks, going for walks in the wagon, painting rocks to hide for others to find, swinging on the tree swing, picking raspberries in the backyard, reading lots of books, swimming at Lake Michigan, checking in on the chickens that lived next door and gardening with Grandpa.

Christmas with the family and yearly vacations with everyone to Michigan’s UP were Curt’s favorite things to do. In Michigan, he loved every day’s activities but especially loved being in the gazebo at night, talking about the day with everyone under the soft glow of Christmas lights he installed above.

He is survived by his wife, Laura (née Stuebe); children, Meghan (Jim) Edmonson, Katie (Jaren) Christianson, Cullen (Tope) Rude, Kristie (Alan) Attal, Casey (Lauren) Rude and Connor (Alicia) Rude; 12 grandchildren, Dylan, Emma, Madeline, JJ, Ily Jo, Isaiah, Eliott, Zoë, Levi, Olivia, Tinley and Harper; brothers, Scott (Denise Sarah) Rude and Mike (Steve Hawk) Rude.

He is further survived by brothers-in-law, Tom (Heather) Stuebe and Dan (Nancy) Stuebe; and sisters-in-law, Lynda (Craig) Hunter and Carol Stuebe. In addition, he is survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. His loss will impact so many lives, but he will live forever in the hearts of those who loved him.

Services

Services celebrating Curt D. Rude’s life will be held at 7 p.m. on July 29 at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. Military honors will follow. Visitation will be before the service from 5 to 7 p.m. All are invited and encouraged to wear your favorite Wisconsin sports team apparel or Hawaiian shirt to the service.

A less formal celebration of life will also be held at a later date. Please watch for details.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society have been suggested.

Special note of thanks to Curt’s sister-in-law, Lynda Hunter, RN, for carrying the family through the last couple of days of his life with her medical advice and incredible support given in our time of need. The family is also grateful to our daughter-in-law, Doctor Tope Rude, for assisting them in understanding medical reports and terminology with loving moral support during Curt’s illness.

Obituary and photo of Curt D. Rude courtesy of Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home.

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