Benjamin Michael Rudin

Benjamin Michael Rudin, 42, of Chatham, passed away at 1:26 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at his home, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with ALS. Ben was born September 24, 1971 in Springfield, the son of Carl and Pamela Schmidt Rudin. He married Rebecca Piekarski on November 11, 1995 in Villa Park, IL. Ben attended Christ the King Elementary School and was a 1989 graduate of Sacred Heart-Griffin High School. He attended Illinois State University, earning a Bachelor's of Science in Marketing and Communications. He later attended Loyola University, earning a Master's of Business Administration. He was employed by Celtic Insurance for 10 years and then served the Director of Financial Analysis at Horace Mann for 10 years. Ben enjoyed music, especially the Drive By Truckers, professional sports, traveling, spending time with his family and friends, and playing no-limit hold 'em poker. He was a strong man and a wonderful, loving father and husband. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Rudin of Chatham; two sons, Elijah and Liam Rudin of Chatham; his mother, Pamela (husband, Jim) Johnston of Springfield; his father, Carl (wife, Sharon) Rudin of Springfield; four siblings, Chris (wife, Allison) Rudin of Athens, Sara (husband, Sean) Carroll of Chicago, Ryan Johnston of Springfield, and Denise Pachlhofer of Springfield; brother in law, Joe Piekarski of Lombard; two cherished nieces, Aspen and Emma; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and many lifelong friends that he considered family. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 15, at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 16, at Panther Creek Country Club, 3001 Panther Creek Dr., with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center following ceremonies. Memorial contributions may be made to Truckin' with Ben, a scholarship fund for Eli and Liam, c/o any INB Location; or ALS, St. Louis Regional Chapter, 2258 Welden Parkway, St. Louis, MO 63146.