Rudolph Edwards

Rudolph James Edwards, 74, of Jefferson City, passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2010, at Hartford Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut. He was born on April 22, 1935, to the late Rudolph Nicholas and Gertrude Talken Edwards in Chamois, Mo. Rudy attended school at Most Pure Heart of Mary in Chamois and graduated from Sacred Heart School in Rich Fountain. Rudy met the love of his life, Elizabeth Louise "Betty" Voss, whom he married on November 26, 1955, and took up their first home in Linn and moved to Jefferson City in 1973. Rudy owned a milk route for 10 years and worked part time with Ruestemeyer Brothers. He started work with Al Scheppers Motor Company in 1966, as a line auto mechanic, was promoted to assistant manager, and then in 1976, became co-owner and manager of the service department, working until retirement on March 31, 2000. He was a member of St. Joseph Cathedral, St. Joseph's Men Association, Knights of Columbus, and a Golden Age Member of Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie 2693. He dearly loved and took pride in each of his grandchildren and great grandchildren and attended their activities. He loved to tinker on trucks and cars, golfing with friends, fishing with family, gardening, traveling with his wife and family. He could fix anything and would do whatever to help another. Rudy is survived by seven children, Pamela Stonner and her husband Paul, David Edwards, all of Jefferson City, Peggy Benson and her husband Terry of Holts Summit, Kimberly Smith and her husband Grant of Osage Beach, Rudolph L. Edwards and his wife Charlotte of Tebbetts, Michelle Peterson and her husband Donald of Broad Brook, Conn., and Russ Edwards and his wife Christina of Imperial. Rudy is survived by 19 grandchildren, Korie Bock (Keith), Jesse Edwards, Jennifer Haller (Matt), Jaime Young (Josh), Leslie Edwards, Emily Benson, Jason Stonner, Clayton Bentzen, Terry Benson, Nathan Stonner, Rebecca Edwards, Rudolph N. Edwards, Connor Smith, Alexandria Edwards, Allison Smith, Gina Edwards, Adam Edwards, Reagan Edwards and James Peterson; three great-grandchildren, Jack Crull, Samuel Haller, Karly Bock; three step grandchildren, Christie Dunn, Heather Batzell, Josh Wolfrum; and three step great- grandchildren, Gabriel and Emma Batzell and Olivia Dunn. Rudy is survived by five siblings, Sister M. LaLande (Marie) S.S.N.D., Gladys Rudroff (Lawrence), Alice Nilges (Freddie), Ann Fick (Alan) and Robert "Bob" Edwards (JoAnn); and a brother in law, Albert Fick. Three siblings preceded him in death, Raymond G. Edwards (and his wife Verna), Evelyn Fick, and Ralph Edwards. He is an uncle to many nieces and nephews. The visitation will be held on Thursday, Jan. 21, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a prayer service to be held at 4:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 22, at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Joseph with Msgr. Robert A. Kurwicki officiating. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association, Helias Foundation or Cathedral of St. Joseph Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main, 636-3838. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit millardfamilychapels.com.