Rudolph S Veitel

Rudy passed away suddenly at his home in Arvada, Colorado on August 3. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Nancy, his four children Barry (Joselle) of Thornton CO, Wendy (Chando), Vicky Simkins (Ed) of Longmont CO, and Marty (Sarah) of Houston, eight grand-children and eight great-grandchildren. Rudy was born in the height of the depression in Philadelphia and lived his formative years in North Wales, Pennsylvania where he excelled in boxing, soccer, and baseball for which he was offered a minor league contract by the Phillies as a catcher. He chose to serve his country in the Air Force as a radio operator flying combat missions in B-29 Super Fortresses in the Korean Theater. His service took him to Spokane WA where in 1951 he met the love of his life Nancy. After an extensive courtship that lasted all of 33 days, they were married and began their life together. Rudy became a Colorado State Patrol trooper and served until given the choice between moving his growing family from their newly established home in Thornton to a difficult location in western Colorado, he chose to accept a position at the Rocky Flats Production facility, where he worked until his retirement. He was especially proud of over 50 years as a Master Mason and his membership in the Order of the Eastern Star, where he was a past member of the Grand Family. Rudy was respected and ultimately loved by all who met him for his intelligence, fierce loyalty, encouragement, and sense of humor. He loved to laugh and always seemed to have jokes to tell and relished the laughter they invariably produced. Rudy was and will remain an unforgettable man.