Dennis Rudloff

Dennis B. Rudloff, 94, of Shelby, went to his eternal rest on Sunday, December 16, 2018.

Dennis was born on March 17, 1924 at his grandmother’s home in Shelby. He was the oldest son of Walter and Nora Rudloff, also of Shelby. Dennis married Anita Goebel on November 30, 1947 and together had three children: Ronnie, Gloria and Danny.

Dennis was baptized and confirmed in St. Paul Lutheran Church of Shelby on September 11, 1924 and May 24,1938, respectively. He graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1942 and enrolled in Texas A&M University. In January of 1943, Dennis was drafted out of Texas A&M, and on February 2, 1943 he was inducted into the Armed Service of The United States. He was assigned to a B-24 Heavy Bomber crew in the 8th Air Division as a flight engineer where he completed thirty missions. During this time, he was awarded the distinguished Air Medal and the Flying Cross. Dennis was discharged on July 3, 1945 and arrived home just in time for the Round Top Fourth of July celebration.

After returning home, he married Anita and purchased his beloved farm in Shelby. This is where he would live until his death. During his life, he was a farmer, bus driver for Bellville I.S.D and was employed by Industry State Bank from 1956 to 1992 where he also served on the Board of Directors.

Dennis was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Shelby American Legion Post 602, Shelby Volunteer Fire Department, Shelby Sons of Hermann and Harmonie Hall. He loved his community. He also enjoyed polka music, dancing and playing chicken foot. Later in life, he began making and bottling his own wine which he named “Lebe Hoch” meaning “Live High.” Dennis had a passion for wood working and has left behind many tokens for his family that will be forever treasured. He loved working and caring for his farm and mostly, being surrounded at the farm by his three children, two daughters-in-law, son-in-law, eight grandchildren, their spouses and his eighteen great-grandchildren. His family of forty was a source of pride, strength and happiness.

Dennis is survived by his children and their spouses, Ronnie and Betty Rudloff, Frank and Gloria Zapalac, Danny and Gail Rudloff; his grandchildren, Rhonda Warren and husband Daniel, Rebecca Mills and husband John, Robyn Clifford and husband Chris, Brian Zapalac and wife Kathy, Lindsey Price and husband Dustin, Kristin Erwin and husband Hunter, Ryan Rudloff and wife Lauren and Tyler Rudloff; his brother Percy Rudloff and wife Norma, his dear friend Viola Weiss and his eighteen great-grandchildren (plus one on the way).

Dennis was preceded in death by his wife and his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rudolph and Paula Goebel; his brother, Rubin Rudloff and wife Lois; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Bennie and Hertha Goebel and Delvin and Wilma Wunderlich; his nephew, Troy Rudloff.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 21 from 5:00 to 7:00 at Memorial Oaks Chapel in Brenham. Funeral services for Dennis Rudloff will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Shelby on Saturday, December 22 at 10:00 AM officiated by Pastor John David Nedbalek. Burial will follow at the Shelby Cemetery.

Pallbearers serving include Brian Zapalac, Ryan Rudloff, Tyler Rudloff, Daniel Warren, John Mills, Chris Clifford, Hunter Erwin and Dustin Price.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to Meals on Wheels, Shelby American Legion Post 602 or St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Funeral arrangements for Dennis B. Rudloff are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.

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