RUDY F. LUEPKE
February 28, 1934 ~ April 25, 2018
Rudy Luepke, 84, passed peacefully (after a brief illness) in the arms of his wife, Marcelle, after 24 years of marriage with niece, Jami, by his side. Rudy is survived by his wife Marcelle, his son Jason, and special friend Phyllis.
Marcelle would like to thank the caregivers and staff at The Hampton, Salmon Creek. Their compassionate care and friendship throughout the past 2 years have been a blessing to both Rudy and Marcelle.
A Celebration of Rudy's life will take place Friday, June 8, 2018, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Red Cross Building at Fort Vancouver, 605 Barnes St., Vancouver, WA 98661. Please come and share your memories.
Donations may be made in Rudy's memory to either:
Columbia Land Trust, 850 Officers Row, Vancouver, WA 98661, www.columbialandtrust.org/donate/
or HOPE, a Dementia Support Group,
9901 NE 7th Ave., Ste. 212, Vancouver, WA 98685.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
My husband lived at Hampton Salmon Creek when Rudy moved in. From the first time I met him, he was always in good spirits and shared his enthusiasm with everyone. It was a real pleasure to see him every day. I enjoyed meeting and talking to his wife also. My thoughts are with you, Marcelle.
Cindy Ulrich
June 18, 2018
So sorry to hear of Rudy passing. Prayers coming your way ❤ As a child,he was my favorite.
Marilyn Lamb Goin
June 13, 2018
Rudy was director of TriMet LRV Maintenance (Portland MAX trains) when it was a new system. I was a young mechanic and I talked with Rudy few times.Once I was trying to straighten some metal in the shop and he stopped to talk with me. He said he used to be a Machinist. It was easier to respect him after that because I had only known him as the all business looking guy behind the desk before that. I found out he knew a few things besides flying a desk for a living. In 1994 we were in Sacramento for a competition with other Light Rail systems and Rudy was there. I rented a car and it was totaled in an accident and there were injuries to some folks on a motorcycle (not my fault). At breakfast the next morning Rudy was there and he stopped eating when I described the gore at the accident. I felt bad because I grossed him out at breakfast. He could be a tough cookie sometimes but he also had a soft spot and appreciated his crew when they put out an extra effort to get MAX going again after an incident like bad weather for example. He did a good job with what he had to work with.
Kevin Powell
June 12, 2018
Please accept my condolences. Rudy was a gracious gentleman.
Van Meter Hord
June 11, 2018
So sorry for your loss,god bless you and best wishes
Donald and Jolene Moore
June 9, 2018
So sorry that we lost touch over the years. Rudy was always a favorite and we were so thrilled when Marcelle came into his life, and, of course, Pearl and puppy. Loving prayers and thoughts, you are all in our hearts.
Beth Winters for the Paul Zumsteg family
June 8, 2018
So sorry I cannot be at the Celebration for Rudy's Life. I know it will be a wonderful time of memory sharing with caring friends.
Sharon Redd
June 7, 2018
Godspeed, Rudy.
You were loved, admired and will be missed.
Lou Siegel
June 3, 2018
Sorry for your loss our heart is with you Jim (dumbo )(hope that gave you a laugh)& jeannnie
June 3, 2018
Sorry to hear of Rudys passing Good thoughts to you and your family They will always be with us
Rosie Balderston-Denbo
June 3, 2018
It's always hard to say goodbye to a love one. They will always be in our heart. Bless you Marcelle.
Sandy Dean
June 3, 2018
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