Rudolph "Rudy" Hapke, a lifelong resident of the town of Almon, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, December 18, 2014. He was 95 years old. He was born on January 2, 1919 a son of the late Herman and Anna (Bartelme) Hapke. He married Ardell Zeinert on January 22, 1944 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Bowler. She preceded him in death on July 26, 1995.
He attended Regina Grade School and graduated from Bowler High School. He was a longtime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, where he served the Lord in many capacities.
Rudy's heart had a special connection with nature and animals which seemed fitting as his chosen profession was a life on the family farm retiring in 1978.
Rudy had a playful sense of humor that we all enjoyed and will be dearly missed. Nothing was more important to him than his faith and his family. He faithfully lived out these principals in everything he said and did which continues to be a lasting legacy.
In his later years he enjoyed shooting pool, playing cards, Bingo and bird watching.
Survivors include four children, Wayne (Mary) Hapke of Wittenberg, Neal (Brenda) Hapke of Shakopee, MN; Melodie (Ken) Treptow of Hinkley, IL and Joy (Bruce) Hartleben of Wittenberg; 13 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; a sister, Adele Gast of Shawano; and brother-in-law, Robert (Lu) Zeinert of Mendota, IL.
In addition to his wife he was preceded in death by son and daughter-in-law, Lorne and Betty Hapke, a grandson, Joshua Hapke, three sisters, Anna Helgerson, Emma Schenk and Edna Kolpack, two brothers, Lorne and Henry and friend, Dorothy Schenk.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 22 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Bowler with Reverend Michael Schram officiating. Burial will take place in St. Paul's Riverside Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
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Bowler, Wisconsin 54416
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Bowler, Wisconsin 54416
Goodbye Grandpa Rudy, you will forever be in our hearts. Sending my thoughts to my family as they lay him to rest today.
Please accept my condolences. The death of a loved one is the most difficult thing we deal with. I wanted to take this time to express my condolences to you for your loss. May you find comfort from Jehovah God's word the Bible. (Psalms 83:18) God's word the Bible promises: "the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out." (John 5:28,29) Jesus Christ promised that millions now dead will live again on this earth and have the prospect of remaining on it forever peaceful paradisaic conditions. (Isaiah 35:5,6) You can have the hope of being reunited with your dear dead loved ones here on earth. God's word the Bible also promises: "He will swallow up death forever, And the sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces." (Isaiah 25:8) Death will be removed from all the earth. Tears of sorrow will vanish. No one will die from natural causes or weep. These are promises that will soon be a reality. (Numbers 23:19; Isaiah 55:11) May you find comfort from these promises. And may Jehovah God of all comfort be with you. (2Corinthians 1:3,4)
For more encouragement please visit www.jw.org.
Bruce, Carol and I had a wonderful visit with Rudy in 2010 when we were in Wisconsin for a visit. He was such a sweet, gentle man. You could tell that he was loved and well cared for. He always wrote me the nicest notes - having just received one last week. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I think grandpa is teaching Julaine a life lesson. She looks deep in thought.
The most amazing man I have ever met so glad he was my grandfather no one could ask for anything better always a smile and many laughs going to miss him so very much:-(
Rudy was a good neighbor. I enjoyed visiting with him. I always kept a close watch on him as I live just across the street.
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