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Rudy Aten Obituary
Rudy was born March 8, 1947, in Avon, to Cline and Vivian (Nell) Aten. He was raised in Carthage and graduated from Carthage High School in 1965. Rudy earned his undergraduate degree in agricultural business as well as his MBA from Western Illinois University. He served as an insurance agent for the next 46 years.
He married Carol Ann Thompson on Aug. 15, 1970. They soon moved to Galesburg, where they would build their lives together. Rudy is survived by his loving wife; his son, Lance (Laurie) Aten of Galesburg; and his daughter, Heather (Rob) Mackowiak of New Lenox. His pride and joy were his four grandsons, Connor and Grant Aten, and Jake and Ryan Mackowiak.
Rudy was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Jerry.
Rudy volunteered many years in Galesburg youth sports. In addition to his many coaching roles, he also founded the Jr. Streaks basketball program and served as president of the GHS Athletic Booster Club for several years. He enjoyed watching his own children and then his grandchildren's sporting events. Rudy was never shy when it came to offering his opinion on the officiating, coaching or quality of play at these events.
Rudy loved a good joke and had a mischievous sense of humor. He loved golfing and was a long-time member of Lake Bracken Country Club as well as Dew Dusters at Bunker Links. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys. In his younger years, Rudy could be found bowling, playing poker or solving the world's problems at Little King coffee.
Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16, 2019, at the funeral home. Burial will be at East Linwood Cemetery in Galesburg. Memorials may be directed to Galesburg Athletic Booster Club. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rudy Aten
Sponsored by Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory - Galesburg.
Barbara Ancelet
January 1, 2020
Just learned about Rudy and I'm shocked. He was an important part of my high school years. Sending prayers to Carol and their family.
rosemary rossell
August 19, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you!
August 17, 2019
We are deeply saddened with the passing of Rudy. Our thoughts are with the family in this time of grief. I knew Rudy for over 40 years and he always had a smile. Gary and Sarah Roggenkamp TAYLORS, S.C.
Bill Frank
August 16, 2019
Thoughts and prayers are with you today. Just learned of Rudy''s passing and am unable to make it to Galesburg today. Have missed the morning coffees with Rudy and the others over twenty plus years beginning at Little King and then the Broadview. He always talked about his family especially his grandchildren.
Rod McGaughey
August 15, 2019
Rudy was a good friend during our days at WIU. He was a good Hearts player then, and a warm hearted person always. We will miss him and his wry sense of humor!
Rod McGaughey
August 15, 2019
Rudy was a good friend during our days at WIU, A good Hearts player then, and a warm hearted man always. We will miss him and his wry humor!
Rod McGaughey
August 15, 2019
R
Michael Baird
August 15, 2019
I am so saddened to hear of Rudy's passing. We had such good times together back in Carthage in the 60's. My heartfelt condolences to all the Aten family.
Fahey Family
August 15, 2019
Our hearts & thoughts are with your entire family as you proceed through this time of healing...
Tony Ulm
August 14, 2019
My sincere condolences to the Aten family. Rudy was a great basketball coach and a great guy who made huge contributions to Galesburg athletics over the years. He was truly one of a kind and will be missed by many.
Susan & Dennis Mackowiak
August 14, 2019
Our deepest sympathies & prayers for the entire family.
Michael Austin
August 13, 2019
I am so sorry to here of Rudy's passing; Rudy was a great friend growing up through the years in Carthage.
August 13, 2019
Sending along our prayers and deep sympathy.
Joe and Barb Cole, Carthage IL
John & Lori Shay
August 13, 2019
Our sincere condolences to the entire Aten family. Rudy was such a presence at GHS athletic events and will be truly missed. He always had a good joke to tell. He was so proud of Lance and Heather and those 4 amazing grandsons! Galesburg lost a good man!
Julie Dominique
August 13, 2019
Lance and Heather- Rusty and I send our sympathies for you and your mom. We are so sorry for your loss. Love and prayers are sent!
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Memorial Events
for Rudy Aten
Aug
15
Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory - Galesburg1849 N Seminary St, Galesburg, IL 61401
Aug
16
Funeral
10:00 a.m.
Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory - Galesburg1849 N Seminary St, Galesburg, IL 61401
Funeral services provided by:
Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory - Galesburg1849 N Seminary St, Galesburg, IL 61401
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