his family. Born June 28, 1929 in Oak Park Illinois to Beatrice and Charles Rudderham.
Attended St Leonard Grade School and Providence St Mel High School, where he was on the
boxing and swim team. After high school he left his hometown to enlist in the United States
Marine Corps. Rick completed boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina and was stationed in
Washington DC to work at the US Headquarters US Marines and continued to box earning golden glove status. He was called back to Active duty for the Korean War conflict. He was honorably discharged in January 1952. He married Jean Nepil in Waco Texas on May 14, 1954. Rick started his career in sales with
Frito Lay in the Chicago area, moved his family to Rockford in 1971 served the restaurant
community until he retired from John Sexton & Company to enjoy time with his growing family.
Rick was a long time blood donor and took great pride reaching the 16 gallon mark.
Some of his favorite hobbies were working in his gardens, following the stock market, coin
collecting, and supporting his grandchildren’s activities. Ricks grandchildren and
great-grandchildren have special memories of fishing, spending the night with Grandma and
Grandpa waking up to his special breakfasts.
Rick was predeceased by his wife Jean in July 2017, a brother, a sister and his beloved
German Shepherd “Me-me”.
He is survived by his six children Pat (Bob) Greenberg, Diane (Steve) Zandonatti, Mike (Renee)
Rudderham, Tim (Colleen) Rudderham, Barb (Mike) Ferris and Mary (Dave) Alexander, 18
Grandchildren and 13 Great-Grandchildren.
Services on Saturday, August 18th 2018 at Sunset Funeral Home. Visitation 1:00 pm;
Service with Military rights at 2:00 pm.
Special thank you to the staff at Heartland Hospice and Cherry Vale Place for their tender and
compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or Father Flannigan’s
Boys Town.
