John Rudolph

McClure - Hard worker, armchair philosopher, and devoted to his wife Bernadine and family. John C. Rudolph, 88, of McClure, Ohio, died peacefully March 21, 2025, at Perrysburg Hospice Care Center of congestive heart failure along with several other complications, including battling 3 different cancers.

He was born on the family farm near McClure in 1936 to Henry Clifton and Agnes Lucille Rudolph. Born with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, they revived John by plunging him in cold, then to hot water to revive him! Ironically, Friday the 13 turned out to be the luckiest day of his and his parents' life.

John developed a strong work ethic helping on the farm alongside his parents and 6 siblings. After graduating from McClure High School, John volunteered and served a 3-year tour of duty in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper. He remained lifelong friends with one particular comrade from the Army, Bill Smith of Georgia. John worked as plant manager and truck driver for Hoffman Eggs, Landmark, Tem-Cole Radish factory and retired from Campbell's Soup Company. Everyone who knew John, knew how much he loved to read and enjoyed his weekly conversations with Tom, Fred and Bob, his Thursday morning "coffee club" buddies.

John met and married a beautiful and sweet Agnete Frederiksen while serving overseas in Europe. After 20 years of marriage and raising 4 children in McClure, John later married the true love of his life, Bernadine Anne. They truly devoted their life together, working hard, but also enjoying life together, traveling a bit, playing bingo, gambling at casinos and simply sharing each day together in happiness. John was always available to help family and friends along the way as well. We have discovered John was one of the most generous of people, giving unselfishly to dozens of charities each month over the years.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Bernadine Rudolph, two children Tonny Rudolph and Asta Markley, one grandson, Brad Middleton; his parents and 5 siblings, Bob, Shirley, Beverly, Richard and Audrey. John is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Richard Kondik, two children, Lucia Rudolph and Katrina (Ben) Carpenter; plus three step-sons, Tom (Carol) Middleton, Tim (Deb) Middleton, Bill (Bonnie) Middleton, along with several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. John will always be remembered for his honesty and straight forward nature. He will be missed by friends and family, but especially by his neighbors who endearingly called him their "neighbor man, John". His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

A Memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 27 at 3 p.m. at Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home, McClure with a memorial gathering from 1-3 p.m. Burial will follow at Hockman Cemetery, McClure, where military honors will be conducted by the McClure American Legion. Immediately followed by a fellowship potluck meal afterward in the basement of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, McClure.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Hospice of NW Ohio 30000 East River Road Perrysburg, OH 43551, McClure American Legion Post #332 230 South East Street McClure, OH 43534 or St Paul Lutheran Church, McClure 155 Depot Street McClure, OH 43534 would be greatly appreciated.