Rudolph E. Koller

"> Rudolph E. Koller
Rudolph Rudy E. Koller, 94, of Polk Street, Bethlehem, died April 14, 2007, at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg, Bethlehem. Born December 17, 1912 in Bethlehem he was the son of the late John and Anna (Kutzmer) Koller. Rudy was the widower of the late Fern E. (Marstellar) Koller who died September 10, 1985. In 1936, Rudolph began work at the Bethlehem Steel Company in the Boiler Shop as a helper (later know as the plate shop/safety shop). Through the years he was promoted to Shipper, Expeditor, Office Supervisor, and Paymaster in the Manufacturing Division. He worked at Bethlehem Steel for 41-years and retired in 1977. He volunteered his time working in the press box at Lehigh University football games and wrestling matches. Growing up, he played basketball for the St. Josephs Flyers and Speed Boys. He also played basketball and baseball for the First Windish Beneficial Society. He was a member of the Lehigh Valley Old-Time Athletes. Rudolph was a charter member of the Bethlehem Steel Club (later re-named Silver Creek Country Club), and recorded the first hole-in-one made at the Club. For this achievement, he received a trophy from the Club and from the areas annual Boys Club Banquet of Champions. In 1988, he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Voters Hall of Fame for 50 years of continuous voting. Survivors: Rudolph will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Michelle A. Koller and her companion Ray Hepburn of Bethlehem; three grandsons, Robert Koller and wife Jennifer of Alexandria, Va., Craig Koller and wife Elizabeth of Parkville, Md., Frank of Egypt, Pa., two great-grandchildren, Chase and Hayden. Rudolph is predeceased by his parents, his wife Fern E. Koller, whom he was married to for 46 years, two brothers Charles and Geza. Services: Friends may call from 9 to 10 a.m., Saturday, April 21, 2007 at the Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad Street, Bethlehem. Services will start at 10 a.m. in Connell Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Josephs Roman Catholic Church, 416 E. 5th St., Bethlehem, Interment will be at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem. Online condolences, www.connellfuneral.com Contributions: In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Good Shephard Rehabilitation Hospital, 850 S. 5th St., Allentown, PA 18103.