Gerald "Jerry" James Rudden

Jerry was born to Bernard Rudden Jr and Catherine Rudden on June 18, 1949 in New York City. While living in New Jersey in 1954, Jer was among one of the last groups of kids to catch the polio virus, which changed his life and the life of his family, forever. The Rudden family chose to move to Colorado in 1956 to chase a cure for polio. The cure was not to be.

Jerry attended Christ the King Grade School and Machebeuf High School. After high school, Jer tried college but choose instead to get into the computer field when computers were just becoming a "thing". He worked for Diner's Club and New York Health before he landed with IBM, where he spent the remainder of his working years before retiring.

Jerry was dealt a tough hand with many physical challenges, but the Lord compensated when he gave him a heart the size of the Ocean. Some may say that his enlarged heart came from Rheumatic Fever, but we believe that his heart was so big because it overflowed with kindness and love for people. Being only 5'6" in height, he had the heart of a Giant. He always wore a smile and his infectious laughter brought joy to everyone he met. The old saying "he never met a stranger" was never truer than with Jerry Rudden. He never married but he was always surrounded by family and friends who shared his love of life. Whichever house he would spend his Christmas Eve at, Jer would be the "go to" guy when it came to putting toys together for the kids. St. Nick had nothing on him when it came to his jolly old laugh. His legacy will his positive attitude, and his love for people and life. He always said “I’m the luckiest guy in the world”, but we were truly the lucky ones. We are glad his suffering is over, and he now gets to rest in the arms of the Lord.

Jerry is predeceased by his Mother and Father, Kay and Bernard Rudden Jr, his niece, Gabby Krause, nephew Brian Rudden, and many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

He is survived by his siblings, Danny Rudden, Tim (D'Anne) Rudden, Mary Ann (Joe) O'Toole, and Eileen (Mike) Sienkiewicz. Also Peggy Rudden and Roberta Rudden. He will be missed by his many nieces and nephews, Tammy (Blair) Krause/Hanneman, Barney Rudden, Meredith Rudden, Casey (Scott) Whitney, Kevin (Rachel) Rudden, Nick (Megan) Rudden, Tommy (Megan) Rudden, Jeremiah (Elizabeth) Rudden, Christine Loper, Valerie (Justin) Smith, Patrick Rudden, Christopher O'Toole, Grace O'Toole, Athena O'Toole, Amanda (Maverick) Bartlett , Jessica (Chase) Perry, Michael Sienkiewicz, Malia Sienkiewicz, and Gabe Sienkiewicz. He is also loved by many great nieces and nephews, cousins and countless friends. The world will never be the same without you Jer!

Donations to be made in Jerry’s name to the Gabby Krause Foundation (Bags of fun).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 12pm at The Big Red Barn 5657 Wild Lane Road, Loveland, CO 80538. Fond memories and condolences can be shared at www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com.