Rudolph “Rudy” Ralph Yudnich was born Nov. 8, 1936 at St. Helena Hospital. He was raised in Pope Valley and spent some of his younger years in Albany, Calif.
He attended Pope Valley Grammar School and he graduated from St. Helena High School in 1955.
Rudy joined the Navy Feb. 27, 1956 and was honorably discharged Feb. 26, 1962.
He was married to his wife Barbara for 39 years. Rudy and his wife Barbara owned and operated Rancho Lumber and Feed from 1971-1978.
Rudy enjoyed raising livestock and for over 40 years had a cattle business. He was a retired member of the Operating Engineers Local No. 3 Union.
Rudy was the President of the Board of Directors for the Central Park Committee from 1960-1988 and Vice President from 1988-1990.
Rudy and Barbara chaired the Middletown Days Celebration for 18 years.
Rudy joined the Lions Club in 1988. His positions were White Cane Director, Bar Manager and Tail Twister. Through the years he held various positions and was Lion of the Year. Rudy understood and practiced the true meaning of Lionism.
Rudy was a Charter Member and Past President for the Pope Valley Ropers and Riders for over 20 years. Rudy was also a member of the Middletown Sports Boosters in the 80s.
Rudy is preceded by his father, Frank Yudnich; mother, Odessa Wright; stepfather, D.R. Wright; and nephew, Kevin Krall.
Rudy is survived by his wife, Barbara Yudnich; son, Frank Yudnich; daughters and sons-in-law, Sherri and Rich Lacy, Karen and James Huff, and Carol and Troy McDowell; grandchildren, Nish and Jamie McDowell and great-grandson, Logan; Sara and Jason Elliott; J.T. Huff; Jenny and Jason Gwilliam; Mandi Huff; Holly Anna Lacy; Travis Frank Yudnich and Jesse Yudnich; sisters, Nishka Yudnich; Rilla and Harry Krall and Joann and Don Mead; uncle Ralph and aunt Nancy DeOng and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Public viewing will begin at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 26 at the Middletown Lions Club on Central Park Road in Middletown, services will follow at 11:30 a.m.
Please send donations in lieu of flowers to the Middletown Lions Club, P.O. Box 507, Middletown, CA 95461.
Please sign the guest book at www.record-bee.com, then click obituaries.
(Published in the Lake County Record-Bee on Thursday, October 26, 2006.)
