LeRoy M. Rude Sr.

Mr. LeRoy Rude of Strum, Wis., formerly of Eau Claire, passed away early Monday morning, Dec. 19, 2022, at Lawlis Family Hospice in Mequon.  He was 84 years old.

LeRoy was born in Eau Claire on April 12, 1938, one of six children born to Roy L. Rude and Cora Isabelle Polden Rude.

He attended local schools in the Eau Claire area, and after his schooling enlisted in the U.S. Navy. LeRoy proudly served on the U.S.S. Rochester for four years.

He was united in marriage with Thelma Bristline in 1966. The couple were blessed with three children. The family moved to Port Washington in 1968.

Thelma preceded LeRoy in death at the age of 51.

LeRoy moved to Strum, outside of Eau Claire, in 1990.

Mr. Rude worked at Mercury Outboards and later was employed by Kohls Foods and Kohls Department Store. He retired from Kohls in 2012 after more than 25 years on the job.LeRoy loved to go fishing and enjoyed collecting “oldies but goodies.” He enjoyed classic cars.

Survivors include his children Cora (the late Dale “Chico”) Hauck of Cedarburg, Patty (Tom) Van Eck of Lancaster, Penn., and LeRoy (Jody Barth-Rude) Rude, Jr., of Grafton; seven grandchildren, Thomas and Bradley Van Eck, Brianna and Brandon Rude, Travis Barth, Dylan Hauck and Angela Hollnagel; and four great-grandchildren, Olivia and Eli Hauck and Ava and Carson Hollnagel.

He is further survived by sister Nancy (the late Kenneth) Schlageter and her children Jerry, Mark, the late Jody, Janae, Jeff and the late Michele; brother Dennis “Denny” (Diana) Rude, Sr. and his children Brian, Greg, Kim and D.J.; sister Carlene Rude and her children Tracy (Frank) and Jamie; sister Joanne Johnson and her children Missy, Denise, Dean and Tim; and brother Timothy Rude. He is further survived by other family and friends.

Per his request, no formal services will take place.

LeRoy will be placed at the Southern Wisconsin Memorial Veterans Cemetery- Union Grove with military honors at a later date.

Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.