Rudi grew up in Rochester, New York (Garden Spot of America, as he always added). He attended the University of Cincinnati and graduated from Ohio State University, becoming an ardent Buckeye fan for life. He worked as an aeronautical engineer for Curtis's Wright in Buffalo, NY, North American Aviation in Columbus, OH, and Boeing in Seattle, WA, retiring in 1987.

Rudi had an infectious laugh and well developed sense of humor. He was an open and outgoing person, making friends easily and reaching out to people in a memorable way not easily forgotten. He loved a good party, enjoyed golf and hiking and, after retirement, travelling. A lifelong Presbyterian, he served as Elder and on a committee of Presbytery while living in Ohio, and in Bellevue ushered for many years, greeting one and all with a cheery, "Happy Sunday."

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 64 years Ellen, children Sandy (Richard) and Rudi (Joan), and five grandchildren Leah, Daniel, Brian, Catherine, and Susanna.