Rudolph “Rudy” Hapke, a lifelong resident of the town of Almon, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, December 18, 2014. He was 95 years old. He was born on January 2, 1919 a son of the late Herman and Anna (Bartelme) Hapke. He married Ardell Zeinert on January 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 servedthe 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 him than his faith and his family. He faithfully lived out these principals 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, MN; Melodie (Ken) Treptow of Hinkley, IL 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, IL.

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.