Robert Rudzinski

Robert M. "Bob" Rudzinski, age 81, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, passed away at his home on November 11, 2024, after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on January 17, 1943, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and earned a Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University. Bob was passionate about trains and was an active member of the Train Collector's Association, often enjoying rail excursions across the country. He was a devoted supporter of The Historic RailPark & Train Museum in Bowling Green. Bob and his wife, Dolores, loved to travel together, making lasting memories on trips both near and far. He was an avid bowler and a loyal fan of the Detroit Lions and Tennessee Titans. He was a faithful parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1315, where he served on BINGO committees, the Tootsie Roll drive, the building committee, and various other events. He was honored as a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Paul Patton.
Bob began his career with General Electric in 1965, serving in management roles in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Scottsville, Kentucky, and continued his work after the Scottsville plant was acquired by A.O. Smith. Over his 43 years, he took on assignments in Mexico and was known for his dedication to continuous improvement and employee engagement. A member of the GE Quarter Century Club and the GE Employee's Club, Bob organized activities like the GE Women's Softball and Men's Bowling Teams. He retired from A.O. Smith in 2008, leaving a lasting legacy of leadership and innovation.
Bob's greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Dolores (Beaver); his children, Randall Rudzinski of Columbus, Indiana; Captain Lisa Rudzinski (KSP, retired) of Salvisa, Kentucky; Russell Rudzinski and his wife, Yume, of Fayetteville, Arkansas; and Leigh Ann Haman and her husband, Lt. Col. Dan Haman (USAF, retired), of Andover, Kansas. He was a proud grandfather to Kevin (Daniel O'Donnell), Jacob, and Rachel (Graham Rooks) Rudzinski; Quin, Kane, and Lana Rudzinski; and Caleb, Dylan, and Aaron Haman. Bob is also survived by his beloved nieces, nephews, and a large and loving extended family who will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Bernice Rudzinski; his sister, Ruth Anne Lomas; and his daughter-in-law, Mary Jean Rudzinski.
Bob will be remembered for his warmth, dedication, and the countless memories he leaves behind. Services will be conducted by J.C. Kirby and Son Lovers Lane Chapel in Bowling Green, KY followed by cremation and burial at Saint Stanislaus Cemetery in Dorr, Michigan at a later date.
Funeral Mass for Robert Rudzinski is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 11:00am at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Visitation will begin on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 4:00pm until 8:00pm at J.C. Kirby & Son Lovers Lane Chapel. A Rosary service will be held during visitation on Friday at 7:00pm.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church RENEW Fund, The Historic Railpark & Train Museum, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, or Hospice of Southern Kentucky.