Rudolf "Rudy" K. Stegelmann

Rudolf “Rudy” Karl Stegelmann, 79, died on November 21, 2017 due to complications of a May 2015 stroke.

Rudy was born in Angola, on May 5, 1938 to Rudolf and Betty Marie (Wulf) Stegelmann, immigrants from Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.  In 1983, he married Beverly (Ruhling) Stegelmann, who survives.

Also surviving is Rudy’s former wife, Dorcas Stegelmann; three children, Bodie (Julie) Stegelmann of Goshen, Murry Stegelmann of Boca Raton, Florida, and Sonja (Brook) Bindus of Hillsdale, Michigan; grandchildren Kurt, Grant and Seth Stegelmann, Nathan, Andrew, and Samuel Stegelmann, Mary Kate, Bryce, and Will Drews; Beverly’s children, Michele (Jeff) Radkey, Michael (Julie) Ruhling, and Marc Ruhling; grandchildren, Matthew (Allyce) Cripe, Kellin and Brenton Cripe, Beth (Matt) Griggs, Alexander, Nicholas, and Peter Ruhling; great-grandchildren, Bristol and Millie Cripe, Vincent Smith and Addelyn Griggs; a sister, Maleen Smith of Angola; nieces and nephews and their families; cousin, Karl (Patti) Stegelmann of Auburn, and additional cousins in Germany.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Elfriede Hughes; a nephew, John Hughes; a niece, Linda Hughes; two infant sisters; and brothers-in-law, LaMar Smith and John Hughes.

Rudy attended Salem Center School near Angola and graduated from Hamilton High School in 1956.  Having received a college basketball scholarship, he graduated from Indiana Tech, Fort Wayne, in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering.  Rudy also received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, but returned to Indiana Tech to complete his education and continue his love of basketball playing. For 25 years he served as an Indiana high school basketball game official. He was also a soccer and volleyball referee.

Rudy’s lifetime career was with NiSource (NIPSCO), of which he was proud to assist area business establishments with their electrical and natural gas needs, as well as being instrumental in bringing into Indiana industry from Michigan and Ohio. He cherished life-long relationships with co-workers.  Rudy spent private time on his farms, beekeeping, introducing pheasants, reforesting to encourage bats for pollination, building ponds, and delightful deer hunting with sons, grandsons and friends.  He spent three summers as Indiana State DNR Beehive Inspector and was a member of the Wood-Land-Lakes Conservation Group.  He was an avid weather-watcher.  American Red Cross records show Rudy donated 22 gallons of blood, helping to save 530 lives.

Rudy enjoyed his 13 years as Junior Achievement Advisor for Jefferson School; and 40 years as an active member of Goshen Noon Kiwanis Club, and deeply appreciated many friends there.  Rudy served on the Goshen Board of Works and Public Safety and Storm Water Board 1997-2015, Housing Authority 1988-2015, and Sister City with Bexbach, Germany, all service for which he received the Key to the City of Goshen in 2015. He was especially proud of his involvement in the planning and building of Tommy’s Kids’ Castle. Earlier years found him active in Jaycees in both Monticello and Warsaw.  Rudy and Bev enjoyed their many travels especially Germany, Iceland, Alaska and Western U.S. several times.

Rudy was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church, 5th Street campus. He had previously been active at Faith Lutheran, Greene Road and Clear Lake Lutheran Church, Clear Lake.  Rudy interacted with and very much appreciated hospice and the many dedicated caregivers in several facilities during his efforts to regain an active life.

Friends may call Saturday, November 25, 2017 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 5th Street campus where a 3:30 p.m. funeral service will follow. Burial will be at Clear Lake Lutheran Church Cemetery, Fremont, on Sunday, November 26.

In lieu of flowers, please consider Boys and Girls Club of Goshen; the Rudolf K. and Beverly A. Stegelmann Scholarship Fund for Undergraduate Studies at Indiana Institute of Technology, Fort Wayne; or organization of one’s choice. “ God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference .”