Rudie was born in Los Angeles, California, the eldest of two boys born to the late Rudolph Sr. and Florence Tretten. He passed away peacefully at his home in Pacifica at the age of 84, surrounded by his family, which he was proud of and treasured.
Rudie was a talented writer, whose writing career began at Lincoln High School in San Francisco, where he wrote and became sports editor of the Lincoln Log, the school newspaper. He held the same position for the Daily Californian, while he attended the University of California, Berkeley ('53).
At Cal, he was an active member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, where he and his brother were known as the animal twins, Moose and Ox, due to their large stature. Rudie stayed connected to Cal and his fraternity brothers and enjoyed attending alumni events, including Big Game!
While he was at Cal, in 1951, he was set up on a blind date with Shirley Fahlgren who was attending Stanford University. Their connection overcame opposing collegiate allegiances and after dating for three years they married in April of 1954. He and Shirley loved to travel, explore and experience new cultures and sights, visiting many countries in most continents.
For most of his adult life, Rudie was involved in education. He earned an M.A. in English and teaching credential from San Francisco State University, and a Ph.D. in social science education from Stanford University. He was a teacher, counselor, administrator, head of the Education Leadership Program at Saint Mary's College, supervisor and consultant. As an instructor he was known for using dialogue and humor and for playing devil's advocate to challenge his students to develop their critical thinking skills. His students also knew him as a compassionate man, who supported them and provided enduring encouragement.
It was important to Rudie to be of service to his community. Throughout his life he served on many non-profit and community boards, including serving for 17 years on the Laguna Salada School District in Pacifica and most recently as a board member of the Morrissey-Compton Educational Center.
Rudie had an enduring intellectual curiosity for all things historical, political, social, economic, educational and sports related. He was a voracious reader and always enjoyed a political debate, the more spirited the better. Within his family, he was known to create "facts" to bolster his argument.
Rudie's writing talent endured. He wrote about his travels for the Pacifica Tribune and in 2012 published a book of short essays entitled Where are we? Thoughts from an American Geezer. His writing encompassed personal life stories and experiences, as well as his opinions, feelings and observations about the world, politics, leadership, and much much more.
Rudie was a remarkable individual- intelligent, spirited, playful, adventurous, curious, giving of spirit and time, a devoted family man, a true friend and a man of integrity. He felt most valued when he could be of service to others. When not working, traveling, reading, writing, or socializing, he enjoyed gardening and was especially attentive to his roses and daffodils, as well as a friendly competition on the tennis courts with other peninsula geezers.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years Shirley Tretten, their daughter Karen (James Finch), and son Eric (Jackie); their three grandchildren Rebecca Chavez (Tom Davis), Kimberley and Bret; and his younger brother Elmer (Carol). He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather.
Arrangements for a celebration of his life are pending and will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in memoriam of Rudie Tretten to Southern Poverty Law Center, the Nature Conservancy or the American Cancer Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from May 29 to May 31, 2015.