Eugene “Rudy” Rudolph

Wasilla resident Eugene “Rudy” Rudolph, 79, died at his home Feb. 20. 2011. He had been in failing health since Christmas.

He was born Feb. 20, 1932, in Waseca, Minn., completing grade school at District 21 in Waseca County, and graduating from New Richland High School in 1950.

Eugene served in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 to 1954, stationed at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage and at Elgin Field, Fla., during the Korean War, attaining the rank of staff sergeant.

Following his discharge, he returned to Alaska and worked at Koslosky’s Department Store in Palmer from 1956 to 1960. He was appointed to the Alaska State Troopers in 1960 and served at Fairbanks, Nome and Anchorage before retiring in 1982.

Eugene married Mary Patricia Cromett of Pine River, Minn., on Oct. 20, 1967, and they shared 43 years together. They had no children. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; and one brother, Wayne and his wife Claudine of New Braunfels, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.

The family was cared for by Valley Funeral Home and Crematory of Wasilla.