Jerome O. Rudie

Jerome "Rude Dog" O. Rudie, 56, of rural Westby, died Friday September 18, 2015 at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse. He was born November 20, 1958 to Edwin and Hazel (Ihle) Rudie in La Crosse. Jerome was baptized and confirmed at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. He graduated from Westby High School in 1977 followed by a year at WWTC in La Crosse. Jerome worked for a sign company in La Crosse for 13 years and then for the State of Wisconsin as a prison guard for 13 years until 2008 when a disability led to his retirement. He married the love of his life, Betty (Niemeyer) Avila on December 8, 1991 at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. Betty died January 23, 2008. Jerome loved spending time with family and friends and his work as a prison guard. He enjoyed watching the Chaseburg-Coon Valley Blues baseball at the Coon Valley Park and was a great fan of the Badgers, Brewers and Packers.

Survivors include his adopted children, Cory (Alexandra) and Tyler Rudie; aunts Eunice Albrecht, Olive Rudie and Annette Ihle; an uncle Verlin (Jan) Ihle; a sister-in-law Pam (Jim) Padesky, 2 nephews Todd and Chad (Sara) Rudie, a niece Nikki (Derek) Grabowski and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Betty and 2 brothers, Ronald and Terry Rudie.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday September 25, 2015 at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. Rev. Mitzi Miyamoto will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. Friends may call on Friday at the church from 10 a.m. until service time. The Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley is assisting the family. Online condolences may be offered at selandsfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be given to the Coon Valley Lutheran Church Elevator Fund.