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