Rudy Ehrenberg

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am on June 14, 2025, at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, Annandale, Virginia.

Rudy was born to Rudolph Ehrenberg III and Wilmina Dean Ehrenberg on December 22, 1940, in Granite Falls, Minnesota. He enjoyed growing up in this small town on the Minnesota River and along with participating in many high school activities, he was active in his church and the Boy Scouts where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

After graduating from high school in 1958, he attended Knox College for one year. In 1959, he entered the United States Military Academy where in addition to being challenged by the academic program and intensive physical training he played intramural sports, was Business Manager for the Howitzer (yearbook) and was Cadet Chairman of Student Council on United States Affairs.

In 1963, he graduated from the Academy where he had met men who would become lifelong friends. For the rest of his life he sought to follow the Honor Code and to live by the West Point motto, “Duty, Honor, Country.” Following graduation and commissioning he attended Airborne and Ranger schools which was followed by an assignment to Germany as the Aide de Camp to the ADC.

His first test of leadership was command of a heavy artillery battery in Vietnam where he led and had the responsibility for 120 soldiers who were mostly draftees.

After Vietnam, Rudy attended Stanford University to prepare for a teaching assignment at West Point. After earning master’s degrees in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering he was assigned to a four year teaching position in the Mathematics Department at the Academy.

Further assignments included: Executive Officer of an artillery battery on the DMZ in Korea; command of a basic training battalion at Ft. Jackson-the first in the Army to train men and women in the same unit; two assignments at The Pentagon; a tour at USAREUR, Heidelberg, Germany; Dean of Defense Systems Management College at Ft. Belvoir.

After serving for 30 years in the Army, he earned a doctorate degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California followed by his appointment as the Dean of Students at Muhlenberg College, a position he held for twelve years. Living on a college campus with faculty and 2,000 students in a culture that promoted learning, integrity, and collaboration was an incredible experience for him. He was much loved by the entire Muhlenberg community.

After Muhlenberg, Rudy served as Executive Director of the Association of Military Schools of the United States, another job he found to be rewarding and enjoyable.

After finally retiring, he served as a Wounded Warrior Mentor, traveled on six mission trips to Haiti with his son Rudy and grandson Ryan, and was active and served on several committees at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church.

In his spare time, Rudy enjoyed golfing, biking, and traveling. He cherished trips to Bethany Beach, DE where he spent many happy times with family and friends.

Rudy is survived by his wife Sandy of 59 years; his sons, Rudy (Lisa) Ehrenberg and Steve (Sherri) Ehrenberg; his grandchildren, Ashley Arita-Ehrenberg (William), Ryan Ehrenberg, Kip Ehrenberg, Noelle Ehrenberg, Sadie Ehrenberg, Calvin Ehrenberg; his great-granddaughter, Mia Arita Ehrenberg; his sisters, Jane Rosen (Sholom), Nancy Zavoluk (Steve), Sara Rosen (Saul); and his many nieces and nephews.

Rudy was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend and mentor to many. He had a blessed and wonderful life which he lived to the fullest and left this world a better place. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Burial will take place at a later date at West Point, NY. Any memorials in honor of him should be given to St. Matthew’s UMC, 8617 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003.