Lucille M. Rudolf

Rudolf, Lucille M.

A Wonderful Life, title of a legendary movie, also a perfectly apt description of a remarkable lady who for so many years was the heart of a large, loving family. Lucille Rudolf (Lu to everyone who knew her) left a legacy of great and happy memories to all those fortunate enough to have known her during 96 years of a life richly lead. Ever gracious, stylishly polished, with a lively spirit, great sense of humor, she went through life with confidence guided by strong spiritual beliefs.

Lu was born on August 18, 1912 in Milwaukee to Arthur John Maas and Camille Suess Maas, sister to Richard, Ruth, Arthur and Bernice. She grew up on Newberry Blvd., and after graduating from Holy Angels High School, she attended the U. of Wisconsin in Madison, and graduated from Downer College in 1934. While a student she was courted by a dashing young man, Alexander Rudolf, and they married in 1937. Setting up a household in Milwaukee, their family expanded to 5 children over the next 7 years.

In 1947 the Rudolfs moved to Appleton where Al opened a Lincoln-Mercury dealership. The family continued to grow with the addition of 4 more children, the last, Barbara, born when Lu was 43 years old.

It was a lively household, but Lu presided over all with her usual aplomb. There was even time for travel; over the years there were many trips to destinations around the world. After Al's death in 1984, Lu continued to lead a full life surrounded by family and friends. A devout member of St. Mary's Parish, Lu was very philanthropic, contributing to various charities and devoting time and energy to Leaven (Appleton's emergency assistance program) and St. Joseph's food pantry. A life-long enthusiastic reader, skilled bridge player, she excelled at crossword puzzles and trouncing her grandchildren at board games.

Lu leaves behind nine devoted children and their spouses: James (Margaret) Rudolf – Appleton, WI/Bonita Springs FL; Ellen (John) Murphy – Sonoma, CA; Camille (David) Larson – Boulder, CO; Alexandra (Karl) Buchwieser- Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany; Christine (Michael) Cohagan – Boulder, CO; Cynthia Pedigo – Superior, CO; Mark (Helen) Rudolf – Appleton, WI; David (Patricia) Rudolf – Appleton, WI; Barbara Wundrow – Martinez, CA.

Her legacy also includes 19 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, who will always be treasure stories of their Super Nana.

She will be missed but not forgotten.

A Memorial Service for Lucille will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2009, at ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 312 State Street, Appleton, with Fr. Michael O'Rourke officiating. Friends may call at the church from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, please donate memorials to Leaven, 1475 Opportunity Way, Menasha, WI 54952.

Lucille's family would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital and Cherry Meadows Hospice for their wonderful care and support for Lucille.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton (920) 739-1231