Joseph Albert Rudolph

Joseph A. "Joe" Rudolph, 86, of Sandusky, passed away peacefully early Sunday afternoon, July 30, 2017, surrounded by his family at the Ohio Veterans Home, Sandusky.
   Born on March 26, 1931, on Kelleys Island, OH the son of Albert and Ann (Marvel) Rudolph.  He was a 1949 graduate of Sandusky High School.  Joe was a veteran, having served honorably in the U.S. Air Force for 26 years, before retiring, holding the rank as Master Sargent.  He had served during the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War.  Joe later worked for General Motors, in Mansfield, for 13 years, before retiring.
   He will be remembered by his family as being a true dog lover and finding comfort in working in his yard and gardening. He was known as one who loved to converse with anyone and everyone and telling them a good joke or two.  Joe enjoyed spending time with the family and the grandchildren and attending the family outings and activities with his wife, Rita. In years past, he traveled, played softball in the City of Sandusky League, golfed in the Senior Golf League with his buddies, bowled in local leagues and found time to go fishing on the lake.  He was a die hard Cleveland sports fan, cheering on the Cavaliers, the Indians and the the Browns over the years.
   Joe was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the AMVETS Post # 17, V.F.W. # 2529, the American Legion Post # 83 and the U.A.W..
   He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Rita M. (Michel) Rudolph, whom he married on April 11, 1953; four daughters, Michele "Mickey" (Rick) Harris of Athens, AL, Jody (Peter, Jr.) Kearney of Sandusky, Linda (John Ryan) Forrider of Sandusky and Teri (Rob) Schwieferth of Norwalk; four grandchildren, Brandon J. Pohler, Preston W. Pohler, Matthew M. Forrider and Payton R. Kearney; five great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
   Joe was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Theresa Sabo; and two brothers, Frankie and Louie Rudolph.
   Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 2, 2017, from 4-7 pm at the David F. Koch Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 520 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky.  Prayers will be recited Thursday morning, August 3, 2017, at 9:30 am at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 429 Central Avenue, Sandusky.  Fr. Matt Frisbee officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Sandusky.  Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post # 83 Color Guard.
   In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to the Humane Society of Erie County, 1911 Superior Street, Sandusky, OH 44870.
   Your memories and words of comfort may be shared with Joe's family at davidfkoch.com