Rudi Waldemar Zuch

Rudi was born a twin in 1934. His twin brother Harry was born first, Rudi was a surprise. The twins and their younger brother Adolf, immigrated from Germany to the United States with his mother, Sophie Zuch. This is a large part of Rudi’s history and for those who have had the privilege of talking to Rudi about his history, you know what he and his family had to overcome to get to the United States.

Rudi and family settled in Rochester, New York. Rudi decided to head west to California where he found work, married his first wife Anita and had his first child, Theresa (Tassi) in 1962. With newborn in tow, he moved his small family back to the east coast and settled in Long Island New York where he had his second child, Lorissa (Lori) in 1965. Now with a toddler and newborn, he moved his family back to California where he ultimately established permanent residency. In 1972, Rudi married his second wife and life partner, Darlien who passed in March 2017. Darlien gave him two stepchildren, Deon and Lisa. Around 1976, Rudi and Darlien bought their first home together in Sylmar CA. The house was on a large lot where they raised chickens and horses. A few years later, they moved to West Hills where he has lived for the past 35 years.

Rudi was a proud man and a self-taught engineer working for Teledyne for most of his career. He worked hard and played hard. He was an avid Rams fan who attended almost all home games as a season ticket holder. He attended the first Superbowl in January 1967 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Rudi had many hobbies and interests including photography and baking streusel kuchen. Landscape photography was his favorite. If a beautiful sunset or beach caught his eye, there was no end to the number of photos he took. His streusel kuchen was the best. He’d bake over two dozen pans once a year then freeze them to enjoy throughout the year.

Sadly, after several recent health issues, Rudi passed away on September 23, 2026, surrounded by family. He is survived by his daughters, Theresa Blake (Jeff Blake) and Lorissa Zuch; stepson, Deon Moore and stepdaughter, Lisa Miller, brothers, Harry Zuch (Gretel Zuch) and Adolf Zuch; grandchildren, Nicole, Tanner, Troy, Alex, Ross, Darla and Stephen; and five great grandchildren; as well as many nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces. He was predeceased by his wife, Darlien Zuch.

A celebration of life service for Rudi will be held 11 am, Friday, October 9th, 2026 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 4501 Deseret Drive, Woodland Hills, CA 91364.

Rudi’s final resting place will be Oakwood Memorial Park, 22601 Lassen Street, Chatsworth.