Kenneth H. Rude

PORTAGE  --  Kenneth H. Rude, age 77, of Portage, went to be with his Lord on Saturday, April 18, 2009, surrounded by his loving family at his home.

Funeral services will be held 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2009 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home, 430 W. Wisconsin St, Portage, with Pastor Dan Gunderson officiating.  Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Portage area veterans providing military honors. Inurnment will be private at Silver Lake Cemetry in Portage at a later date.

Kenneth was born on January 10, 1932 in Milwaukee the son of Henry and Teresa (Kauth) Rude. He married Melva M. Powell on September 1, 1951 in Milwaukee.  He served his country as a Marine in the Korean War. For 38 years he was a Milwaukee fire fighter, retiring in 1992. After retiring Ken and Melva moved to Portage. He was a proud and loving Grandpa and GiGiPa. He enjoyed woodworking, was a member of Carving Wizards and also enjoyed fishing and deer hunting.

He is survived by his loving wife, Melva of 57 years; his children, Jeffrey and Roxann, Menomonie, Karen and Joe, Green Bay; 11 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by nieces, nephews and special friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Carol (Ted) Campbell and  a brother, Donald.

A special thank you to Dr. Tim Deering of Dean Clinic and to the doctors, nurses and staff of Dean Clinic, St. Clare Hospital and St. Mary Hospital.

The family suggests that memorials may be given to the charity of your choice.

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