"Rudy was like the corner stone of the Urich Family Reunions It was always a joy to see him and Dorothy. If there was ever a picture of love it was this couple. We'll miss you Rudy"
In loving memory of
Rudy Urich
April 17, 1916 - March 24, 2009
GARNER - Rudy J. Urich, 92, of Garner died Tuesday (March 24, 2009) at the Concord Care Center in Garner.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 A.M., Friday at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan with Fr. Brian Dellaert officiating. Burial will be in St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Duncan.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Thursday at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan with a Catholic Workman rosary at 5 P.M. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church.
Rudy John Urich, the son of Joseph and Anastacia (Kudej) Urich, was born April 17, 1916 on a farm northwest of Garner. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. Rudy graduated from Hayfield Consolidated School in 1936 where he was active in sports and school activities. On September 12, 1938, he married Dorothy Brcka at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. They made their home on the family farm northwest of Garner where they raised their family and farmed. In 1961, Rudy was elected county treasurer a position he held for the next 29 years. During his terms in office he became involved in state and national politics. In 1980, he was elected as president of the National Association of County Treasurers and Finance Officers and was presented a lifetime honorary membership. After leaving office, he was employed as a courier for Clear Lake Bank and Trust in Garner. In 2001, Rudy and Dorothy moved into Garner. He enjoyed playing cards and spending time on his computer.
He was a lifelong member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church serving on the building board after the destruction of the church by a tornado and years later as a volunteer member of the board for renovating and decorating the church for its 100th year celebration. He belonged to the Catholic Workman FCSLA w51 for over 60 years serving as president of the local chapter and as a trustee for the care and maintenance of the community hall and the Garner Lions Club serving as past president and secretary-treasurer for two local district governors. He received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award from Lions International and many achievement and membership awards from the local club. Rudy was active in his community serving as a 4-H leader, president of the Hancock County Extension Council, president of the Hayfield School Board and was active in Farm Bureau and the rural development board. He also was on the board of directors and past chairman of the Elderbridge Agency on Aging.
Rudy is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of Garner; four children, Roger Urich of Garner, Robert (Billie) Urich of Indianola, Gerald Urich of Des Moines and Carmen Urich of Ft. Collins, CO; four grandchildren, Mike (Jill) Urich and their daughter, Melody, Matt (Shirley) Urich, Julie Urich and Jennifer (Lee) Freeman and their children, Zachary, Sarah and Seth.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Estella Basart and Frances Brozik; and brother Elmer Urich.
Tributes
"I met Dorothy and Rudy when I visited Iowa last summer. Iwas impressed by their warmth and hospitality and the obviously close bond between this couple. I was looking forward to meeting them again on my return visit. I am so sorry to learn of Rudy's passing. I will miss his gentle good humour and his gracious demeanour. My thoughts and prayers go especially to Dorothy at this time. Sympathy is also extended to Roger and the rest of the family. May the memories of happier times bring you comfort at this time. Sincerely Clarita "
"We all grew up and spread out in the world, but his smiling face is something we will always remember."
"I have many fond memories of summer vacations in Garner, and fun at the family farm with Rudy, Dorothy and family. Rudy's passing brings, in many ways, the end of an era. He was the last of that generation of Urich siblings, and he will be sorely missed. Dorothy, Roger, Bob, Gerald and Carmen: I am thinking of each of you this week, and wish that I could be there with you."
"Uncle Rudy we will miss you so much. So many fun memories with family on the farm. Your laughter, love of life and love of family will always be remembered. Going for Walleye fish or talking at home, we always laughed and had fun. Although I did not visit often enough, I always felt that I belonged there and was very loved. I only hope to have a long happy life that Dorothy and Rudy had. I guess this year I will have to get up for the family reunion and meet more of the family. My love and prayers to Dorothy and the family. "
"We are so sorry to hear of Rudy's passing and will miss him at the Urich Family Reunions. He was always ready with a friendly smile and quick wit. God Rest His Soul."
"Uncle Rudy was a very special person. He and Aunt Dorothy recently celebrated 70 years of happy marriage. He was intelligent, hard working and had a wonderful sense of humor. We will miss him very much."