PERU - Richard (Dick) Rudkin, 92, passed away on March 9, 2024, at Blair Ridge Health Campus in Peru, IN.
He was born on December 22, 1931, to John and Mable (Eshelman) Rudkin in the township of La Fayette near the town of Sparta, WI. On July 14, 1956, he was united in marriage with Elaine Kirchner at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sparta, WI.
Richard was active in Future Farmers of America while growing up. He graduated from Sparta High School being active in boxing. Upon graduation he went to flight school in the United States Air Force where he flew T33 aircraft. He met Elaine in Sparta, and they became engaged prior to Dick going to serve in Korea where he flew the F86 combat fighter. After becoming married, Dick and Elaine lived in Austin, TX for their first year where Dick flew the F84F Thunder streak fighter-bomber at Bergstrom Air Force Base. The couple moved back to Sparta where Dick joined the reserves. He was called to active duty to Vietnam flying The C119 gunship. After returning, the couple and their young family moved to Columbus, IN where they lived for a short time until relocating to Peru, IN where Dick returned to the reserves at Grissom Air Force Base and flew A37 attack aircraft. He left the Air Force in 1977. Dick worked for many years at Harvestore Company and Farm Bureau Insurance. He worked several years as a realtor for Ron Reed and Gallahan Real Estate and enjoyed working in the hardware department at Big R store. He was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Peru, serving on various boards including the school and cemetery boards. He was also a member of the church choir. Dick enjoyed bowling, golfing, and bridge club. He loved gardening and shared his produce and cooking with family and friends. He and Elaine traveled to many places across the United States during their retirement.
He is survived by his son David (Martha) Rudkin of Auburn, CA, his daughter Sarah (Michael) Stiene of Parrish, FL, two grandchildren Amy Rudkin (Archie Jarman) of Auburn, CA and Eric Rudkin of Milwaukee, WI and one great grandson Jake Jarman. He is also survived by his sister Janet Hendersin of Sparta, WI and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents John and Mable Rudkin, Elaine’s parents Edwin and Malinda Kirchner, his brothers and sisters, Vivian Webster, Raymond Rudkin, Kenneth Rudkin, Beatrice Tenner, and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Harold Webster, Anna Belle Rudkin, Kathleen Rudkin Bean, Russell Bean, Francis Ciaramitaro, Darold Tenner, Ralph Hendersin, Beverly Riley, and Leslie Riley.
A memorial service celebrating Richard and Elaine will be held at Flowers Leedy funeral home on Thursday, March 21 with a gathering of family and friends at 9:30 a.m. with service starting at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at St John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Peru, IN.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Miami County Helping Hands, 176 North Broadway, Peru, IN 46970. www.ahelpinghandnow.org.
Sharing our favorite photos of Richard and Elaine: https://photos.app.goo.gl/QEfmBUhDqJqz9hSU7
Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www. FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
“I am with thee and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest.” Genesis 28:15
Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home
