Rudolph Vacek

RUDOLPH (RUDY) JAMES VACEK

Rudy Vacek was born on November 13,1929 in Schuyler, Nebraska, the youngest of three children of Frank and Anna Vacek who immigrated from Czechoslovakia. He began his life as the son of a prosperous small-town baker. However, affected by the Depression, Frank moved the family to Omaha, Nebraska to find work. The Depression greatly affected Rudy and instilled in him great work ethics, appreciation for job opportunities, and financial responsibility. During his teens, Rudy worked several jobs, including in a pharmacy and grocery store. Rudy graduated from Omaha Technical High School.

Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1947 and served onboard USS Bausell (DD 845) and USS Laffey (DD 724). His deployments included travel to China, Japan, Philippines and Cuba. He was discharged in 1951 as a Fire Controlman Petty Officer Second Class (FC2). Rudy cherished his time in the Navy and always appreciated the skills he acquired and friendships he fostered while serving his country.

After being discharged from the Navy, Rudy used the G.I. Bill and graduated from the Milwaukee School of Engineering with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He began his civilian career employed as a defense contractor with Sperry Defense Corporation where he worked on U.S. Air Force bombing and navigation systems. He was also employed by a research company that worked on equipment for the new nuclear ballistic submarines coming online. He later joined ADT Security Services where he managed accounts for George Washington's Mt. Vernon and the Washington Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia. Throughout Rudy's career, he received many commendations for his work ethics, innovative problem-solving abilities, and integrity.

In 1957 while working in Topeka, Kansas, Rudy met the love of his life, Freda Baker. They were blessed with a long, happy marriage of almost 60 years in which they shared a love of travel, classical music, and spending time with family and friends. At the heart of their relationship was their active participation in the Church of Christ community where they taught bible classes. Rudy often mentioned that it was a joy and blessing to be part of a large church family.

Rudy will be long remembered for his love of family, the church, his captivating stories and jokes for all occasions, as well as his knowledge of a wide variety of subject matters. He passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his brother Jerry and sister Dorothy and is survived by his chosen family and friends, Doug and Melissa, his nieces Barbara, Pamela, Tanya and nephews John, Nick and Randy and their families.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Rudy's name to the Rockville Church of Christ.