Elaine Margaret (Kirchner) Rudkin, 94, passed away on May 30, 2022 at Dukes Memorial Hospital in Peru, IN.
She was born on December 9, 1927 to Edwin and Malinda (Pfaff) Kirchner in Sparta, WI. She grew up in Sparta, graduating from St. John’s Lutheran Elementary School and Sparta High School. On July 14, 1956, she was united in marriage with Richard Rudkin at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sparta, WI.
Elaine worked in Milwaukee as a phone operator at a call center prior to her marriage. She moved with her family to Peru, IN in 1971. She worked at Wabash Valley Bank as an administrative assistant in the Loan Department for several years, retiring in 1992. She was an active member of St John’s Lutheran Church. Her favorite hymn was “Lift High the Cross” and she was active with LWML. She also volunteered her time with the local Red Cross. Elaine enjoyed bowling and bridge club. She traveled to many places across the United States during her retirement.
She is survived by her husband Richard Rudkin, her son David (Martha) Rudkin of Gig Harbor, WA, her daughter Sarah (Michael) Stiene of Parrish, FL, two grandchildren Amy Rudkin (Archie Jarman) of Auburn, CA and Eric Rudkin of Chicago, IL, and one great grandson Jake Jarman. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Janet Hendersin and
numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents Edwin and Malinda Kirchner, her sister Beverly Riley, Richard’s parents John and Mable Rudkin, her brothers-in-law Leslie Riley, Harold Webster, Kenneth Rudkin, Russell Bean, Raymond Rudkin, Francis Ciaramitaro, Darold Tenner, Ralph Hendersin, her sisters-in-law Vivian Webster, Kathleen Rudkin Bean, Anna Belle Rudkin, and Beatrice Tenner.
A memorial service celebrating Elaine will be held at a later date with burial at St John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Peru, IN.
Memorials may be given to Miami County Helping Hands, 176 North Broadway, Peru, IN 46970. www.ahelpinghandnow.org
Sharing our favorite photos of Elaine: https://photos.app.goo.gl/QEfmBUhDqJqz9hSU7
Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
“I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest.”
Genesis 28:15
