Rudy Thaut

 

Last updated 4/21/2016 at Noon



Rudy Thaut, 98. I imagine there are few people reading this who didn’t know or hadn’t heard of our grandfather. There were also few greater men than our grandfather who, throughout their lives, fought through all obstacles with strength and grace.

From his upbringing as an orphaned child, adopted by his aunt and uncle, to his time in Japan as a WWII POW, to his return home to Ritzville, marrying his beautiful bride, Freda Hennings and building his own home where he lived all of his adult life.

This amazing man then began his career stateside as a postal worker, had two amazing children, Cathy Sue and Mark and worked hard to provide for his family.

When grandchildren came along, Rudy devoted many summers to teaching Cathy Sue’s daughter, Jessica, his only granddaughter, how to swim at the local pool and eventually introduced Jessica’s brothers, Brady and Colin, to many adventures on the golf course.

Mark also has two children, Kyle and Shawn, both Eagle Scouts. He was quite proud of them for achieving such a high honor.

With retirement, Rudy and Freda traveled far and wide to watch Jessica run in high school and at Stanford and attended baseball and football games for Brady and Colin. Rudy’s love and pride watching his grandchildren succeed was unmatched, as was the love his grandchildren had for him.

Jessica, being the eldest grandchild, spent many summers visiting the library and running the golf course that her grandfather golfed on many days a week. Brady and Colin adored time spent in Ritzville sharing meals and stories with their grandparents. Rudy was constantly interested in all things but himself, as was his selfless way.

As time went on and gardens came and went, Rudy and Freda were present to see Jessica marry Justin and Brady marry Monica. Luckily, we were able to provide him with five amazing great grandchildren who adored him as his own grandchildren had.

Summer, 10 and Sebastian, 7, were the two eldest and then along came two more sweet girls, Devyn and Cassidy, 5.5 and 5, respectively and lastly, our youngest little guy, Braxton Rudy, nearly 1. The immense joy and pleasure Rudy and Freda experience when their great grandchildren are near is truly a beautiful sight.

At the wise age of 97.5 while Freda was outside, Rudy took a tumble at home and broke his hip. Despite the extraordinary care he received at Sacred Heart Medical Center, Rudy’s tired body succumbed to complications from hip surgery and he died peacefully on Saturday, April 2, just four days after celebrating his 69th wedding anniversary. The life he lived and the love he shared with all who crossed his path allowed Rudy to live a rich, joyful life right until the end.

Knowing our grandfather as we do, Rudy would simply like to let you all know that his work here on earth is done. He received a call, sort of an offer he couldn’t refuse, for an appointment from which he will not be returning.

His new mission takes him to a wonderful place where he will be golfing, socializing, gardening and reading to his heart’s content. Music, laughter and love are guaranteed. Food is delicious and you never gain an ounce (they’ve even guaranteed endless maple bars and amazing beer…his favorites).

He left detailed instructions for his wife and children to celebrate his long mission here, which has now been completed, with a gathering of those who loved him, his stories and his presence. With that, we will be hosting a local Ritzville gathering in early June (specific details forthcoming).

In lieu of flowers in his memory, please consider donating to one of his very favorite places, the Zion Philadelphia UCC in Ritzville, where he spent countless Sundays singing in the choir, sharing coffee with friends and thanking the Lord for his many blessings in life or the Senior Center, where he enjoyed many lunches with all of his friends.

There will be a memorial service held on June 11 at 1 p.m. at the Zion Philadelphia UCC in Ritzville.

With so much love and gratitude, Your Grandchildren.

 

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