Milton L Rudnick

Obituary of Milton L Rudnick
Milton L. Rudnick
Milton Leroy Rudnick, 97, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2025 at his residence in Albertville, Minnesota.
The tenth of ten children, Milton (Bud) was born on December 24, 1927 in Fresno, California, to Rev. Edward and Natalie (Sandler) Rudnick. Milton is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carlene E. (Helmkamp) Rudnick, son Robert, daughter Deborah and son-in-law Steven (Schreiner), son Richard and daughter-in-law Jennifer, as well as four grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, as well as four brothers, five sisters, and their spouses.
Milton's buoyant optimism, intelligence, generosity, humor, and enthusiasm made it easy for him to share his ardent faith in Jesus Christ. At the age of 13, he surprised himself by following the call to the ministry. He never looked back. Milton graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 1952. He married Joyce Schroeder in 1953, and they were blessed with three children. Milton received a Doctorate of Theology in 1963. After enduring a heart-breaking end to the marriage in 1967, Milton was able to help others going through similar painful times. He met Carlene Helmkamp in 1968 at Concordia College (now University) in St. Paul, where they both taught. They married on March 1, 1969. They frequently hosted gatherings for friends and family, and traveled widely across the United States, Canada, Europe, Russia, and the Ukraine.
Throughout his career, Milton served as pastor, church historian and theologian (Concordia College, St. Paul), prolific author, fund-raiser (Alive in Christ), and seminary president (Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton, Canada). In retirement, Milton served as interim pastor for several churches, taught at Russian and Ukrainian seminaries, worked in development for the Oswald Hoffmann School of Christian Outreach, and served as Assistant to the Pastor at Life In Christ Lutheran Church in Albertville, Minnesota. No task was too humble or daunting if it furthered the Gospel. They were simply "opportunities." He continued to pray for the lost and the church in his final hours.
Milton was a faithful husband, wise and loving father, doting grandfather, devoted son, brother, uncle, and friend. If anyone needed help, he would find a way. Milton's generosity reflected his confidence that the Lord would provide – and He always did.
We miss Milton dearly, and are comforted that he now rejoices with his Lord and Savior. We will see him again in heaven, where there is "no more death or mourning or crying or pain" (Revelation 21:4). Meanwhile, Milton's legacy lives on through the hearts changed by the Gospel he preached, the minds he opened to the Scriptures, and the reflection of Christ's love that he shared with everyone he met.
"With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation" (Psalm 91:16).
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Life In Christ Lutheran Church in Albertville, Minnesota. Reviewal will be from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at the church.