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Rudi MIZUSAWA Obituary
He was the third of six sons of George T. and Theodora Mizusawa, and was raised in an Air Force family that settled in Hampton.
He is survived by his loving parents and five brothers, Manno, Bert, Rene, George and Gino.
Rudi was a top graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1983, and graduated from Kecoughtan High School in 1978. Rudi was one of Virginia's top high school wrestlers and was the first to be commemorated in Kecoughtan's Sports Hall of Fame. Rudi qualified as an Army parachutist, and after a brief career in the Corps of Engineers he was a self-employed general contractor. At the time of his passing, he was leading the ground operations for the congressional campaign of his brother, Bert. Rudi was the proud biological father of Kaitlin Gaskin.
Private services will be held at a later date.
Riverside-Altmeyer Funeral Home, 7415 River Rd., Newport News is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.altmeyer.com. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rudi MIZUSAWA
Sponsored by Allison and Kaitlin (Mizusawa) Gaskin.
Marika Valdez McDonald
May 31, 2022
I am so sorry for this Loss I met Rudi through his brother Rene I believe while living on Rein Main Air Base in Germany What a Beautiful Family they Are May All the Angel's and heavenly Spirits be with This family Much Love , Marika
Marika Valdez/McDonad
February 24, 2014
I was so Saddened to hear of this Loss too young!Rudi and I had no contact after Germany we were young 12,13,14 maybe But I had the Biggest "Crush" On him..Oh How my Heart Aches for his Beautiful Family..My Prayers for Strength are sent your way.
I am enjoying reading all about his Kind ,beautiful Spirit he was well Liked and Loved.. Ambitious too..Loving Prayers to all who Have Felt this Great Loss,RIP Rudi T. Mizusawa
Joseph Knox
February 21, 2014
I just learned of Rudi's passing today. I tried to locate him several years ago, without success, and am saddened to learn this. Rudi was my first friend at Rhein Main Jr. High School! My family arrived in Germany in December 1973, and the school year had already started. I didn't know anyone, and Rudi and I got partnered up for something in gym class. We became instant friends, and he convinced me to try out for the wrestling team...thought i was stuck in pure torture camp!! He kept convincing me to stick with it...until finally, thank God, I needed ear surgery...which even he relented to!! It was only a brief time span, but Rudi's kindness and friendship resonated from a light within that shines brightly and unforgettably upon those lucky enough to have known him! (((Rudi, family & friends)))
John Dundas
February 20, 2014
God bless Rudi T., my squad leader in H3 as a plebe.
Steven Clauser
December 11, 2012
I learned of Rudi's passing just a couple of days ago when I was sharing some of my childhood antics with my wife and I spoke of Rudi to her. It was then that I tried to find Rudi and that is when I learned of his fate. Rudi and I attended a Youth Retreat in 1974. The retreat was in Berchesgarten Germany. One of our roomates was a guy who initially was a bully and constantly picked on Rudi and me. We gradually earned the Bully's friendship and on the last day of the retreat, the Bully purchased a loaf of fresh bread from the local German Bakery. The Bully left the loaf unattended on the bus and Rudi and I got our revenge. We took a "plug" from the bottom of the loaf and proceeded to eat the fresh interior of the loaf. We then went outside of the bus and gathered pine needles and stuffed the hollow loaf with the pine needles. We never saw the bully afterwards so we didnt get the chance to see what happened. It was funny to us at the time and we laughed about that situation for months thereafter. Rudi will always live in my heart, after all of these years, I've always thought of Rudi and the short time we spent as friends. My heart goes out to Rudi's family and his daughter.
Edward Brady
July 1, 2010
I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Rudi's passing. He was a truly gifted person and great friend. He tutored me in all my college math courses and even fed me at the restaurant as I had little money at the time. He was happy to help anyone who was trying to achieve their goals. One memorable experience was our trip in Rudi's Mazda RX7 to Atlantic City. We thought we would hit the Black-Jack tables and return to Hampton with our pockets full of cash. Unfortunately we lost everything at the tables and returned with empty pockets and only fumes in the gas tank. But we shared a wonderful time together. Although I have not seen Rudi in many years I will always have fond memories. My sincere condolences to the family.
David H. Freedman
June 18, 2010
David H. Freedman
June 18, 2010
Bert and Family, I am Deeply Saddened for Your Loss. My Deepest Sympathies. Not only did Rudi and I Graduate from West Point together Class of '83, but we roomed together his plebe year and my turn back year in Company F-1. I was always amazed with Rudi. He always used to Max the Physically Hated and Dreaded Obstacle Course at West Point. No Prob for Rudi. I believe he had the Fastest Record Times on this Course. After the Course I was Coughing, Sore, and Physically Drained. I would ask Rudi "How did you do". He said with a Little Smirk, " No Sweat Man - I Maxed It Dude ". He certainly was one of the Top Cadets at West Point. I enjoyed rooming with Rudi. He always had what I call the Three Cs - (Cool, Calm, and Collective). Nothing Phased Him. He had this Tremendous Physical and Mental Toughness of a Leader and of a Soldier. What a Great Guy. Truely a Friend and I am going to Really Miss Rudi. My Sincere and Deepest Condolences.
Kyle Humphrey
June 14, 2010
I heard about Rudi's passing all the way out in California and am so thankful you have a guestbook to sign on line. I vividly remember Rudi from my days at Kecoughtan. He was always so nice and had such a great smile. I recall him being just such a sweet guy. There aren't many people who stand out in my mind from the days way back then, but he does. Such a truly memorable man. I hope the happy memories you have of him get you through the tough times ahead. God bless you and your family.
Rest in peace Rudi...
Mike Crumlin
June 11, 2010
Rudi: And when our work is done, Our course on earth is run, May it be said, 'Well Done; Be Thou At Peace.' E'er may that line of gray Increase from day to day, Live, serve, and die, we pray,
West Point, for thee.
You cannot be forgotten, brother.
MACrumlin
Juanita Halliday
June 10, 2010
Ray
Michael told me about your brother. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Juanita
Susan Hurley
June 9, 2010
Bert and family, I was and am so very sorry about your loss of Rudi. I can't imagine how hard that must've been for you and your family. I'm so glad you was working side-by-side with you on the campaign during his last days. You have my sincere condolences.
BOB & ELAINE THOMAS
June 9, 2010
GEORGE, MITZI,AND FAMILY,
WE WERE SO SADDENED AND SHOCKED TO LEARN OF RUDI'S SUDDEN DEATH. IT SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY HE WAS PUTTING SIDING ON OUR HOUSE......WHAT ENERGY AND "SPUNK" HE HAD!!!! WE LOVED HIS SENSE OF HUMOR!!!! HE WAS ALWAYS SMILING WHEN WE SAW HIM. HE WILL BRIGHTEN THE HEAVENS FOR SURE!!!!!
WITH OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY,
GOD BLESS YOU ALL....
Alex D'Agostino
June 8, 2010
Our heartfelt condolences to the Mizusawa Family.
Ricky Routten
June 8, 2010
Rudi, you will be missed. I often think of all of the great times we shared in high school. I now teach at KHS and fondly remember the times we shared each time i pass your photo in the hallway. God bless your family during this difficult time.
June 7, 2010
My condolences to the Mizusawa family.
Warren Minami and family
Chrissy
June 7, 2010
I have lost many people in my life, but I can't imagine losing a child...my sincere condolences....
Joe & Marianne Rodriguez
June 7, 2010
Joe
Michael Handle
June 7, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.Rudi was a true friend, and will be missed by all of us. May the love of family and friends carry you through your grief..
June 6, 2010
Dear George and Theodora,
I grieve for your loss; so young and so sudden. God bless.
Bob Matsuda
Michael Yaguchi
June 6, 2010
Bert and family,
My sincere condolences for your loss.
The Peeples Family
June 6, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. May memories help you through the days ahead.
Chrissy
June 6, 2010
We had some great times baby...
Christina McAbee
June 6, 2010
I can't believe he is gone. He will be missed by me very much. Rudi had a great personality with a great way of looking at life, He got me through some rough patches, and helped me alot during a trying time...I love you Rudi...
Maryann Ayer
June 6, 2010
I was so deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of such an accomplished and vibrant young man as Rudi. May God grant your family the strength and peace to work through this difficult time. You are all in my prayers.
Richard Weaver
June 6, 2010
In your time of grief, great memories will get you through. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sincerely,
Richard and Kelly (Moore) Weaver
Shawn Hughes
June 6, 2010
I was shocked and saddened by the news last week of Rudi’s passing. I will never forget Rudi’s wonderful sense of humor and his infectious laugh. Working with Rudi and Gino at Cheatham Annex was one of the most memorable times of my life. I have such fond memories of those days. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with the Mizusawa family in this time of grief.
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