Submitted by: John C. Monk

 

Rudolph J. Wilfing Sr.

 Sept. 12, 1928 - Feb. 10, 2010
GRANGER - Rudolph J. Wilfing Sr. passed away Wednesday morning, February 10th, at his home in Granger, Indiana. He was born on September 12, 1928, in South Bend, to Rudolph F. Wilfing and Anna M. (Hernicz) Wilfing. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Douglas M. Wilfing; a grandson, Andrew Wilfing; and step-daughter-in-law, Susan Marvel. His sister, Anna "Dolly" Nemeth, passed away February 11th, 2010. He is survived by his wife, Helen. They were married on December 27, 1980. He is also survived by three sons, Rudolph J. Wilfing Jr. of San Diego CA, Scott (Pamela) Wilfing and Gregory (Gail) Wilfing of South Bend; 14 grandchildren, Jennifer Wilfing, Devon Wilfing, Michael (Julie) Wolfe, Kimberly (Michael) Howard, John Wilfing, Kate Wilfing, Anna Wilfing, Aaron (Stacey) Wilfing, Mattthew Wilfing, Joseph (Pam) Wilfing, Rebecca Limon, David Wilfing, Jason (Bobbie) Wilfing and Grail (John) Gast; and 18 great-grandchildren; and three stepsons, Rex (Pat) Marvel, Paul (Debbie) Marvel of South Bend and David Marvel of Granger; a stepdaughter, Mari "Missy" (Duane) Holte of South Bend; 10 step-grandchildren and 12 step-great-grandchildren; six nieces and many great-nieces and great-nephews. He is also survived by a dear family friend, Yvonne Vida. Rudy graduated from Central High School and attended Purdue University. He was a draftsman by trade and worked for many tool-and-die companies in the area, the last company being Capital Tool, from which he retired. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus and Moose Lodge #58. Rudy was an avid bowler and played in various area leagues for over 50 years. He was a member of the American Bowling Congress and was past president of the South Bend Bowling Association. He was elected to the South Bend Bowling Hall of Fame in 1988. He also belonged to the Broadway Theatre League and held season tickets for many years. Rudy loved all things Notre Dame, and attended as many sporting events as possible. He could be seen at all the home games of the Notre Dame women's basketball team and also attended many of the N.D. women's softball games, as well as the men's baseball games. He helped with his wife's booth at the Farmers Market for many years. Rudy enjoyed many outdoor activities, but most especially he enjoyed feeding any and all animals that visited his backyard, including the geese and skunks. Rudy was a member of the Catholic Church all of his life and was a parishioner at Saint Pius X Church in Granger, Indiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, February 15, 2010, in St. Pius X Church by Rev. William Schooler. Family and friends may call one hour prior to services in the church on Monday and from 2-7 today in the Zahoran Funeral Home, 1826 S. Kemble Avenue, where a vigil service will be held at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Pius X Catholic Church. To leave an online condolence, visit our website www.zahoran.com, or our facebook page, Zahoran Funeral Home.

Published in South Bend Tribune on February 14, 2010