Harold Sheldon Rudiger's Obituary
Harold Sheldon Rudiger, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother, uncle, dear relative and friend to many, passed away on Thursday, April 21, 2016 in Poway, California. He was 96 years old and died of old age.Harold was born on May 2, 1919 in Creston, Iowa to Roy and Grace Rudiger where the family of 8 grew up on a working farm. He graduated from the local high school where he played football and ran track. He married Marie Fountain in 1940 and lived and worked as an auto mechanic in Lyons and Wichita Kansas before going west in 1947 to raise his family in San Diego where he spent the rest of his life. Harold was employed as a Service Advisor and Manager for Courtesy Chevrolet and Service Manager at University Ford for over 30 years. Following his retirement in 1981, he enjoyed building dune buggies, working on his motor home, and frequently traveling the country with his wife Daphine (Dee) whom he married in 1961. Over the years, Harold and Dee, along with family and friends enjoyed many camping outings in the motor home, mostly to the desert and mountains to go on dune buggy adventures. He was a proud member of the Elks Club of El Cajon for many years. Harold was an avid Padre, Charger, and Aztec fan and loved all sports. He and his Dee also enjoyed square dancing.Harold is survived by his son, Richard L (Mary) Rudiger of Poway, CA, his daughter Nancy J. Rudiger of Houston, TX, and five grandchildren: Tamra Avery of Spokane, WA, Leigh (Terry) Avery-Nelson of Houston, TX, Richard T. Rudiger of San Diego, CA, Kathleen Rudiger of Poway, CA, and Susan Rudiger of Portland, OR. He is also survived by two great grandchildren, Megan Avery of Houston, TX and Matthew Lilley of Houston, TX. He has one surviving sister, Jerry Meyers of Los Angeles.Harold was predeceased by his wife, Daphine Rudiger in 2003, his daughter, Carol Ann Rudiger in 1947, his brothers Leonard, Barney and Wayne Rudiger, and his sister Elsie Stinson.
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