Search by Name

Search by Name

Martin Rudnick Obituary

Martin E. Rudnick August 16, 1913 - April 24, 2013 Martin Edward Rudnick was born August 16, 1913 in San Bernardino, California, and died at the age of 99 on April 24, 2013 in San Jose, California. The son of Rev. E.J. Rudnick, a Lutheran Minister, and Natalie Rudnick (nee Sandler), Martin was one of ten children. He grew up in San Bernardino, Banning and Fresno. A devoted brother, he was preceded in death by sisters Alma Bahr, Beata Fleischer and Helen Bahr, and brothers Robert, Arthur and Vernon Rudnick. He is survived by sisters Lucille Edwards of San Diego, Barbara Gieseler of Santa Cruz, and a brother, Rev. Milton "Bud" Rudnick of Albertville, Minnesota. Martin was educated at Concordia College in Oakland California, graduating in 1933. He went on to study at Fresno State University before finding employment and eventually joining the U.S. Army. In the Army, he became a "90-Day Wonder," graduating Officer's Candidate School in three months. He reached the rank of First Lieutenant, and was the commander of the U.S. Army First Cavalry, 168th Anti-Aircraft Battalion, Battery "D". He served in the South Pacific during World War II and was present at the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the largest naval battle in World History. Truly a member of "The Greatest Generation," he was awarded American Defense Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (with 3 bronze stars), the American Campaign Medal and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon (with 2 bronze stars). Martin was a loving husband and father. After the war, he married Julia Elizabeth "Judy" Buchere, and became stepfather to her daughter, Lori Rupert. Sadly, he suffered the loss of his beloved wife Julia in 1992, his cherished grandson Timothy in 2005, and his beloved son Edward in 2008. He is survived by a daughter, Natalie (Roger) Boggs of Eugene, Oregon, a son, Marty Rudnick of San Jose California, a daughter-in-law Lisa (Edward) Rudnick, and a grandson, Kyle Rudnick. Martin was a successful businessman. Following employment at Wellman-Peck, he joined the Oral B Company of San Jose, California where he eventually became Vice President of Advertising. Following the sale of the company, he founded the Dental Hygiene Company, a highly successful dental products company that was eventually acquired by Johnson & Johnson. Many credit his success in business to his decency and trustworthiness. His many employees became loyal and loving members of his extended family. In retirement, he turned to writing. His books include The Vistula, The Missing God, The Jeweled Snuffbox, Aunt Ada's Antiques, Foot against the Stones and Glowing Embers, a compendium of poems and short stories that influenced him during his life. His classical education never left him, and to his final days, he was able to recite Shakespeare and Kipling from memory. Aside from his family, nothing meant more to Martin than his church. Martin and Judy were charter members of the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Cupertino, California. He remained a steadfast member for nearly 60 years, until failing health prevented him from attending. The family would like to gratefully acknowledge his wonderful caregivers, Lucy Ortiz, and her granddaughter Yazminn Benitez. The family was blessed by the loving care of these two angels, who looked after his every need with grace, mercy and tenderness. Funeral services for Martin will be conducted at 2:30 PM at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Cupertino, California, April 30, 2013, preceded by a 11AM graveyard service and interment at Oakwood Memorial Park, Santa Cruz, California. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Good Shepherd Home, care of Bethesda Lutheran Communities, 600 Hoffmann Dr., Watertown, WI 53094.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Apr. 28, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Martin Rudnick

Not sure what to say?





6 Entries

Lisa Shaw

August 16, 2013

Dearest Grandpa, I always remembered the white picket fence and playing in your yard. Grandma was always cooking something good for us and they were some of the best of times. Love you always, Lisa xoxo

margie edwards

June 24, 2013

I will never forget our drive from Santa Barbara to San Jose when I was about eleven...just the two of us for reasons I don't recall. He taught me all about El Camino Real, Father Serra, the missionaries and other historical tidbits. We laughed and sang, and he taught me "Waltzing Matilda," which I love to this day. In later years he'd always tease me about how talkative I was, but I remember that he did a lot of talking himself and was far more interesting than any teacher I'd had before (or, I can now say, since!). I also remember how he and my dad Juel would occasionally argue about politics. I didn't like it at the time, but I'd give anything to have the two of them arguing about anything today! What a great guy--one of a kind.

Larry Edwards

June 20, 2013

Uncle Martin: an officer, a gentleman, an author, a lover of poetry and literature, a thinker, a patriot, an entrepreneur, and a man of unwavering faith. He loved his family and friends very deeply, and he was loved back very deeply. And he dispensed his abundant wisdom with sublime humor. Despite all that, he was also characterized by his humility, or as he used to say, “I'm very humble--and I have plenty to be humble about.” He was the kind of person who made The Greatest Generation so great, and who made our family so wonderful and so close. He will never be forgotten by those of us who were blessed to part of his life.

Maria Baker

June 19, 2013

Uncle Martin will surely be missed, but his adage "drive with extreme caution" lives on in the Baker family!

Julie Timmons

June 3, 2013

I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr Rudnick but I read passages from his novel "The Vistula" which showed he was an extraordinary man. Condolences to Natalie and the rest of the family.

April 30, 2013

I worked for Mr Rudnick in the 1980's
What a wonderful experience and great man
May you rest in peace always, you will be missed by all.You always told us ladies in the office that "there are no golden years" but you were wrong you lived a long golden life....Gerry

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in Martin Rudnick's name

Memorial Events
for Martin Rudnick

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Martin's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Martin Rudnick's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more