Thomas A. Rudesill Jr., 78, of Gresham, peacefully passed away Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 19, 1935, in the town of Red Springs, he was the second son born to the late Thomas and Imelda (Miller) Rudesill Sr.
After graduating from high school, Tom enlisted with the United States Army and served his country for two years. Upon his honorable discharge from service, Tom went to college to continue his education. With the start of the Vietnam War, Tom re-enlisted in the United States Army to once again serve his country. After service, Tom worked for the Stockbridge-Munsee Tribe. He married Myrna LeRoy and together the couple had 11 children. Tom was very active with many veteran groups including the Gresham American Legion, the Oneida Veterans and the Gresham Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also a founding member of the Mohican Veterans as a sergeant at arms and a chaplain for veterans. In his free time, Tom enjoyed listening to all genres of music, watching wildlife, especially searching the sky for eagles, visiting the local casinos, gardening and being a handyman for his children and grandchildren. He will be missed by his dog and traveling companion, Bud.
Tom is survived by 10 children, Alphia (Ray) Creapeau, Rose Laehn, Paula Rudesill, Sandra (Quinton) Creapeau and Joe (Colleen) Rudesill, all of Gresham, Cheryl Elertson, of Shawano, Tom (Rebecca) Rudesill III, of Tilleda, Myrna and Sara Rudesill, both of Milwaukee, Patricia (Steve) Simons, of Omaha, Neb.; 21 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren with a great-granddaughter on the way; and two great great-granddaughters. Tom is further survived by five brothers, Keith (Claudette), Hank (Shirley) and Mike (Yvonne) Rudesill, and William and Andy (Sue) Summers; and several nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Geraldine; his wife, Myrna; his parents Thomas Rudesill Sr. and Imelda Summers; a sister, Bette; and a good friend, Joe Webster.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at the Lutheran Church of the Wilderness near Bowler with the Rev. Melinda Shriner officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Mohican Veterans at the church following the service. Burial will be in the Red Springs Cemetery in the spring. Visitation will be held at the church on Sunday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.
Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano is assisting the family with the arrangements.
The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you to Tom’s caregivers for the last few months, the Ella Besaw Center and the SouthernCare Hospice nurses.
www.swedbergfuneralhome.com
Categories
