Elmwood Park – 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" (nee: 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 US 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 (nee: Stuebe), children Meghan (Jim) Edmonson, Katie (Jaren) Christianson, Cullen (Tope) Rude, Kristie (Alan) Attal, Casey (Lauren) Rude and Connor (Alicia) Rude. Twelve 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 Brother-in-Laws Tom (Heather) Stuebe and Dan (Nancy) Stuebe and Sisters- in- Laws 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 celebrating Curt's life were held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Monday, July 29, 2024 at 7:00 pm. Military honors will followed. Visitation was Monday, July 29 ^th , from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society have been suggested.

We are going to continue celebrating his life with a gathering in the banquet hall of Bucket's Pub 2 ^nd Round (2031 Lathrop Avenue in Racine) on Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. We would love to have you join us. All are invited and encouraged to wear your favorite Wisconsin sports teams apparel or Hawaiian shirt to the gathering.

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.

Service Details

Services celebrating Curt's life were held in July. We are going to continue celebrating his life with a gathering in the banquet hall of Bucket's Pub 2 ^nd Round (2031 Lathrop Avenue in Racine) on Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. We would love to have you join us. All are invited and encouraged to wear your favorite Wisconsin sports teams apparel or Hawaiian shirt to the gathering.

Services celebrating Curt's life were held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Monday, July 29, 2024.