Rudolph A Nylund Jr. , age 82, passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2025. On February 1st, 1943, he was born in Minnesota to Rudolph and Ellen Nylund. He was raised in Hibbing Minnesota in a rural community where he learned the values of hard work and the importance of family. He had a gift of music and realized he could play the piano by ear while in elementary school. He had a deep voice and sang in many choirs and cantatas. He was a proud member of the US Army Band as a trombone player and was proud to represent America. After being stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, he found his way to the Hoosier state and while attending Woodside UMC, he met a young lady named Janet, had a first date of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and to make a long story short - he married her in 1966 and began his family life in Indiana.
He began his career as a coin collector for Indiana Bell. In the 70s - he repaired phone lines climbing up telephone poles without the use of ladders or bucket trucks. As phones became more modern, he transitioned into modular systems working at a small company known as AT&T and retired with Lucent Technologies. He would often call his wife and kids to test the phone quality to make sure it was done correctly. After his first retirement, he enjoyed working sales with Sears - selling computers and TVs. He also worked at the local CVS - always enjoying his interactions with locals and customers.
Rudy loved life and barely ever complained. He loved taking trips back to Minnesota and loved smelling the "fresh Minnesota air" when crossing the St Croix River. He had a great memory and recalled events from years ago and never needed a street map. He was a Christian man with many roles in the church. He participated for many years in Men's Bible Study and also helped as an after school church program with youth. He was involved with the Shriners - a past master, an honorary Kentucky Colonel. He was a member of the Buck Creek Township Building Corporation and loved having a role with the construction plans of Station 71.
Rudy always enjoyed the Indy 500, family reunions, the county fair, the State fair, the occasional casino visit, driving to Brown County, visiting Shipshewana, Sudoku, jokes, Euchre, westerns and especially family events. Always enjoyed outings and activities with his wife and two children, Rudy and Heather, and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Janet; son Rudy Nylund (Alisa Nylund), daughter Heather Joffer (Nick Joffer), brother John (Connie) Nylund, sister Brita (Gary Sorenson), grandchildren; Alexander Destiny), Hannah (Brian), Luke (Danielle), Curtis, Caleb, Levi, Jeremiah, Everleigh, Halliey and Sophia.
Service will be Friday, March 28, 2025, at 1:00PM at Bell Mortuary & Crematory, Shangrila Chapel, 1444 W US HWY 52, Fountaintown, IN 46130. Visitation will be from 11:00AM until the time of service at the mortuary. Officiating will be Barba Baer. Military rights will be performed by the Greenfield Honor Guard.
Online condolences at www.bellmortuary.com
Bell Mortuary & Crematory, Shangrila Chapel
Bell Mortuary & Crematory, Shangrila Chapel
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