Rudolph “Rudy” Hapke, a lifelong resident of the town of Almon, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014. He was 95 years old. He was born on Jan. 2, 1919, a son of the late Herman and Anna (Bartelme) Hapke.
Rudy married Ardell Zeinert on Jan. 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 Rudy than his faith and his family. He faithfully lived out these principles 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, Minnesota, Melodie (Ken) Treptow, of Hinkley, Illinois, 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, Illinois.
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, Dec. 22, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Bowler, with the Rev. 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.
Bradley Funeral Home in Antigo is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be shared at www.bradleyfh.com.
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