Donald D. Rudie

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, June Rudie (née Wolf); his son Donald D. Rudie Jr. and wife Kathleen; his daughter Alicia Rudie Hovland and husband Peter; and grandchildren Erica, Kristen, and Peter. He is also survived by his siblings Sigurd Jr., Norman, Sonja (Lassey), Sandra (Caver), and their families, his sister-in-law, Dolores Albert, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Amanda and Sigurd Rudie, and grandson, Christopher Rudie.

He was the oldest Rudie child, the son of a Norwegian homesteader, raised on a farm in eastern Montana. It was a very hard life, but he learned the value of fortitude, perseverance, faith and a loving family. His parents also believed strongly in education. After several years of attending a one room schoolhouse and being homeschooled, he was able to attend school in town thanks to their efforts.

Don was highly intelligent, disciplined, and extremely motivated to pursue academics. He was also very athletic; playing basketball, football and running track, all while working on the farm. Notably, as a high school senior he won a gold medal in the mile race at the Montana State Track Meet; the first trophy ever for his high school.

He put himself through Dickinson State University in North Dakota by working in a gas station, as a chemistry teaching assistant, tutoring students and building homes. Additionally, he led his college football team to a State Championship victory as co-Captain. He earned an undergraduate degree in only three years with highest honors in mathematics and a minor in chemistry at age 20. He furthered his studies at N.Y.U. where he obtained both a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Mathematics and Computer Science, while working full-time and raising a young family.

His professional career was equally impressive. After graduating college, he was nominated by the President of Dickinson for a job opportunity with the Western Electric Corporation in New York City. Despite his mother’s apprehensions and having never ventured east of the Mississippi River, he moved to the Northeast. It turned out to be a momentous decision.

While at Western Electric he worked on the groundbreaking development of an Air Defense System for the U.S. Air Force, using computers, advanced radars and a new data communication system (SAGE). He then joined Systems Development Corporation as a computer scientist working on developing systems for the Advanced Ballistic Missile Defense Agency. During his time at S.D.C. he also invented and patented a computer-based latent fingerprint ID system for the NY Bureau of Criminal Investigation which later was adopted by the FBI.

After receiving his Ph.D., he was recruited by the Dun & Bradstreet Corporation for their Information Services division. He was Senior Vice President of Customer Systems Implementation. Ultimately, he was appointed Vice Chair of the UN/EDIFACT Working Group (EWG), which is responsible for the maintenance and development of the international Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) standards governed by the United Nations. After retiring from D & B he continued a consulting business in eCommerce.

His life’s joy was his family, especially his beloved wife, June. He met June at Christ Lutheran Church in Newburgh, N.Y. and attracted her with his beautiful smile and a wink. In time they married at that church. They started their life together which brought them a son, daughter, and four grandchildren. He loved them all deeply and felt great pride in their accomplishments.

His other interests included traveling throughout the US, Europe and Asia, spending time at their lake house in N.Y. (where they often hosted large gatherings with family and friends), playing tennis, reading, and studying history.

A dedicated member of Christ Lutheran Church in Woodcliff Lake for 60 years, he was deeply involved in his faith community. He served as a Sunday school teacher, Superintendent of Sunday school, two term Church Council President, Chairman of the CLC’s 50th Anniversary committee and on other committees.

Don was a true servant of God and had a deep faith. His memory will forever remain a source of comfort and inspiration to those who knew him.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9th, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood. A funeral service will take place on Friday, July 10th, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Woodcliff Lake.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Lutheran Church or Triboro Food Pantry in Park Ridge. (links below)

https://www.clc4u.com/default.asp?sec_id=180000813 https://www.triborofoodpantry.org/