Daniel S. Rudman

1945 - 2020

GALESBURG - Daniel S. Rudman died peacefully on April 24, 2020, with his loving family at his side.

He was born in Galesburg to the late Mitchell and Rose Rudman on Nov. 15, 1945. He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1963. During Dan's early years he was surrounded by his loving big sister, Margie, and his late Aunt Annie Levy who absolutely adored him. He also was blessed to have many close first cousins and a group of high school friends that he remained close to his whole life. He graduated as a CPA from the University of Illinois in 1969, where he played clarinet for the Marching Illini and performed with them at the 1964 Rose Bowl, in which the Fighting Illinois were victorious!

He married the love of his life, Sue (or Poochie as he fondly called her), in 1969. They shared 47 amazing years of love, life and laughter until her passing in 2017. In his darkest days after her death, he found another amazing woman to share his heart with. For two years Dan was able to laugh and love again with Brenda. She brought back the contagious smile and twinkling eyes that Dan was known for and allowed the darkness to transform into a new and beautifully bright future.

He is survived by his loving companion, Brenda Reed, Galesburg; two daughters, Debbie (David) Smolensky and Julie (Dusti) Watson; four grandchildren, Alyssa and Ashley Smolensky and Lucas and Becca Watson; one sister, Margie (Steve) Cooper; a brother-in-law, Roy Meyer, and a sister-in-law, Gloria Meyer; and six nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and great-nephews.

Dan loved the town of Galesburg and especially the people of Galesburg. You may recognize him from Doyle Furniture, The Jaycees, Rotary Club, AMC theater, Culver's, Hy-Vee and many other locations in town where he never knew a stranger and smiled and talked to everyone, and if you were lucky, even had him call you "Sweets."

He embraced his religion wholeheartedly and was forever proud that his parents helped form Temple Sholom. His love for his girls propelled him into many activities during their school days, including president of band parents, where along with his wife, he chaperoned the band on a trip to Spain in 1988.

His world expanded out from Galesburg to include Phoenix and Las Vegas, where he was a motivational speaker for 20 years. In recent years he traveled to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and joined in Gratitude Training ML 33 and in Galesburg the Mastermind Life group.

Dan believed in lifelong learning and he was always seeking ways to improve himself and to help others. He established a company in 1970 that he named "Pride in People." Through this company he would teach hundreds of people how to have pride in themselves and share that pride by being kind, compassionate and loving to everyone they encounter. He lived this philosophy with every breath he took on earth.

Here is one last word of wisdom from Dan, which he borrowed from Ralph Waldo Emerson and made his own: "Though we may search the world over for the beautiful and riches, we must find it within ourselves first or we find it not."

A graveside service was held April 27, 2020. The family appreciates all the love and support that has been shown to them throughout his unexpected short battle with cancer and his passing. Family requests no flowers, but memorials in his honor may be made to Temple Sholom in Galesburg or to the Dan Rudman Pride and People Foundation, which will be used to bring motivational programs to District 205 elementary schools, 1041 Northwood Drive, Galesburg, IL 61401. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is handling arrangements for the family. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.