Rudolph William Berwald

Born on September 13, 1924 in Banks, Oregon to Edward and Olga Berwald. He was the youngest of their 6 children.

Rudy was one of two in his family to graduate from high school and the only one to graduate from college. For high school, he went to live with a family in Hillsboro as it was larger than the high school in Banks and had science classes. He served in the Army from November 1942 to March 1945 in Central Europe. After his honorable discharge, he took advantage of the GI bill and attended Oregon State University, studying chemical engineering. While there, he met the love of his life, Carol.

Carol and Rudy married on June 26, 1949. While living and working in the Portland area, April was born in 1950. Rudy was then hired by Borden Chemical and moved to West Seattle where Nancy was born in 1952. After moving to the Gregory Heights area, Chris was born in 1955. Great friends and memories were made there. In 1962, they designed and built a new house over by the airport and lived there until the airport bought them out. They then moved to the Renton area. Rudy worked at Borden Chemical for 38 years. He did a lot of traveling for the company, helping to build new plants that made some of the materials for Borden’s glues and resins, including Elmer’s Glue All.

When not traveling for work, Rudy would spend time helping with his children’s swim meets and being involved with church activities in the churches he attended. Rudy loved family, music, baseball, sunsets, desserts, and traveling. Upon retiring, Rudy and Carol began their travels together. They particularly loved Hawaii and after taking their first trip to Hawaii, they started visiting there quite often, adding cruises and trips to other countries for a change of pace. He enjoyed their trips and treasured the moments and memories of each adventure. They were able to celebrate their 60th anniversary prior to Carol’s death in May, 2010. Rudy was at her side through it all and the commitment he made to love and honor his wife in sickness and in health 61 years ago was evident through all her trials. Rudy never waivered in his devotion to Carol.

Rudy had the reputation of being a gentleman and man of faith through out his life. He had a wry sense of humor with a twinkle in his eye when telling a joke. Instead of good bye, he would often say “Keep smiling!” He was always ready to help friends and family in need whether it was helping build a rockery or driving to help someone with a car problem. He died on October 9, 2017 in Renton, WA. Rudy is here today with us in spirit and our love for him will continue in our memories. His family wishes to thank each of you in honoring Rudy by your attendance today.