Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Daniel G. “Rudy” Rudebeck, age 74, of Neenah, Wisconsin, passed away on October 1, 2020, his birthday, after a courageous battle with cholangiocarcinoma.
Dan was born on October 1, 1946, to Arthur and Jane Rudebeck in Menasha, Wisconsin.
He grew up on the shores of Lake Winnebago, discovering his love of the environment and fishing and hunting from an early age. Dan graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay with a degree in Creative Communications.
Dan was a true advocate of the upriver lakes and rivers of the Winnebago System, who tirelessly fought for the preservation of the environment. He spent many years as the Habitat Restoration Coordinator for the Lake Poygan Sportsman’s Club. He was the past president of the club in its early inception. Dan fought and worked unrelentlessly with the Corps of Engineers and the DNR for the preservation of the resources. He was recently getting excited about the duck hunting opener, giving him a chance to see what his young yellow lab, Finn, could accomplish.
Dan was employed part-time at N&M Expedited of Neenah. He was also the Outdoor Editor of The Winneconne News, giving knowledge and insight of matters around and in the waters of our area.
Dan married his wife Patricia on June 15, 2002. They enjoyed their times together whether at home, or sitting quietly while fishing. They were always in competition as to who would catch the first fish. Dan and Pat completed each other and were best friends as well.
In addition to his wife, Dan is survived by his brother Jim of Missouri. He is further survived by his stepchildren, Christy (Vern) Miron, of Baraga, Michigan; Jennifer (Shawn Haase) Wolcott, of Allenville, Wisconsin; Tricia (Andy Forsberg) Wolcott, of Medina, Minnesota; and John (Kerry) Wolcott, of Green Bay. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Mitch, Nat, Kayla, Alejandro, Delaney, Jackson, Greyson and Peyton.
A visitation for family and friends will be on Monday, October 5, 2020, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home 904 E. Main St. Winneconne. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Charles Tews officiating. Following the funeral Dan will be laid to rest at the Lake View Cemetery, Larsen, Wisconsin (Boom Bay).
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.
Carp and Netty wrote on October 9, 2020
Pat, our hearts go out to you. Rudy was a big gentle giant. We will always remember his rendition of David Allen Coe's "You Never Even Called Me by My Name".
Carp and Netty
Valerie/Allen Stabenow wrote on October 6, 2020
Living in Winneconne we were always appreciative of Dan's continued dedication to the lakes and waters. His column in the Winneconne paper relayed this fervent dedication and his encouragement to those responsible for the care of these waters to do so with careful consideration of the fish and plants that inhabit them. He was a tireless supporter of a healthy lake system and all that entails. We will miss him, but will honor his memory with continued efforts to maintain our lakes so that they are healthy and useable for all. Best wishes, Dan, hope you have all your fishing poles with you!
Kathleen A Welhouse wrote on October 5, 2020
I remember Dan showing his nephew, Thor, how to fish many years ago. He was so kind and patient. Please accept my deepest sympathies on his passing.
kenneth jahnke wrote on October 4, 2020
Rest in peace. Your conservation efforts will act as lasting memorial.
Diane Koser wrote on October 4, 2020
I read Dan's column in the Winneconne News every week and will really miss his entertaining way of informing us about what's happening in our local outdoor world, especially his fishing reports. Dan's passing is sure to leave a huge void in the newspaper and in the many lives he touched through his column.
Vicki and Tom Lacher wrote on October 4, 2020
We are so sorry for your loss. Dan was an incredible help to Tom the day my hip dislocated at the park. I’m sure Dan is up in heaven giving fishing lessons
Orval Walker, Parrish Florida wrote on October 4, 2020
Pat, I'm so sorry for your loss. I am happy i got to see the both of you one last time at Jerry's Bash. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you and your family and my Dan rest in peace. Love, Orv....
Jean & Mike Rausch wrote on October 4, 2020
Dear Pat and family,
So sorry to see that Dan had passed.
Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Cindy Slinger wrote on October 4, 2020
Pat, so sorry for your loss, you take care and I'll keep you and your family in my prayers!
Randy and Cheryl Schwalbach wrote on October 3, 2020
R.I.P Rudy. You will be missed by many
Steven Volkman wrote on October 3, 2020
So sorry to hear pat. I talked with him several times through the years with cheryl and randy Schwalbach. Good times glad I met him. God rest his soul.
Jay and Donna Kopplin wrote on October 3, 2020
Fond memories of great conversations with Dan. Many of times, over the several years we knew each other, we would call the Boom before boating over in hopes that we could enjoy a beer, and a story with Dan. Pat, family, and friends of Dan, his compassion for the waterway we enjoy may never be replaced. Grandchildren, admired seeing Dan in a display at the Oshkosh museum. Grandchildren, also remember Dan making the kids fishing tournament an enjoyable day. His booming voice will be missed reading fishing rules, and prizes at the Boom Bay picnic. RIP.
Dianne Thull wrote on October 3, 2020
Sorry to hear about Dan. Larry talked about him often. Now they will be together in heaven reminiscing. Prayers for his family.