Jeffrey Rudd

Jeffrey Lenner Rudd, age 71, of Prescott, Wisconsin, passed away on February 12, 2025, at his home with family by his side, following a brief but hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer.

Jeffrey was born on August 14, 1953, in Warsaw, Indiana, the son of Allen and Julia (McClane) Rudd. He was raised in Warsaw during his formative years before moving to Chicago, Illinois, where he graduated from Lane Tech High School. He went on to further his education at the University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Jeff entered the Information Technology field and excelled in coding, programming, business analysis and project management for companies like IDS, Dain Rauscher and US Bank.

At IDS, a certain coworker caught his eye and would change his life forever. On December 30, 1989, he married his best friend and soulmate, Michelle Keating, at the Episcopal Church in Shell Lake, Wisconsin. They made a wonderful team; he, an optimist and a dreamer, was perfectly complemented by her steady and grounded nature, creating a beautiful balance in the life they shared. Together, they brought two beautiful children into the world, Daniel and Emily, joining the wonderful children he brought into the marriage: Sara, Benjamin, and Rebecca.

After many years of success and professional fulfillment, at 62, he retired to enjoy life more fully and spend more time with family. However, being an outgoing person, he missed working and socializing with people, so he took on a fun job at Churchill’s Market in Prescott to stay connected with the community.

If you knew Jeff, you knew his adventurous and creative spirit. From his motorcycle and bicycle trips out West, winter camping in the Boundary Waters, hunting with his Dad and brothers, to fishing day trips, he had a deep love and appreciation for the outdoors, cherishing every moment in nature, whether alone or with the people he loved. He was a beekeeper, an avid gardener, and an excellent cook, enjoying spinning his honey and canning the vegetables he grew (especially the beets, which were his favorite), as well as making the best spaghetti and meatballs anyone had ever tasted. He also enjoyed maintaining his beloved 2001 Toyota Tacoma named “Old Greg.” Most of all, he loved sharing activities and moments with his wife, watching his children pursue and achieve their dreams, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Jeff was a man of joy and laughter, cracking jokes that would make him chuckle whether they landed or not. His passion for music was undeniable; he attended countless concerts throughout his life and frequently sent friends and family Spotify links to various songs, almost as a form of communication. His bright and eclectic wardrobe was legendary; yellow and tie-dye were staples, often so vibrant they made people want to close their eyes. Yet, when he wanted to, he could pull off the coolest, most effortlessly fashionable outfit in the room. Jeff never took himself too seriously and always looked for the best in people. He had an incredible gift for seeing potential where others saw limitations, making a silk purse from a sow’s ear as the saying goes. A true giver, and a man with the biggest heart anyone knew, there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do to support the people he loved.

Jeff will forever live on in the hearts of his wife and best friend, Michelle Rudd; his children, Sara Rudd (Brian Escandon), Benjamin Rudd (Caroline Sandberg), Rebecca (Scott) Varnadoe, Daniel Rudd (Amanda Garner), and Emily Rudd; his grandchildren, Frankie, Willa Rose, Felix, Finnley, Fisher, and Elliot; his siblings, Allen (Dianne) Rudd, Steven Rudd, Rick (Mary) Rudd, Jennifer Rudd (Malcolm), and Carole McClane; as well as many nieces, nephews, and too many friends to count. He was preceded in death by his father, Allen (Kathy) Rudd, and his mother, Julia (Joseph) McClane-Kwasinski.

A Celebration of Life honoring Jeffrey will be held on Friday, February 28th, from 3 PM to 5 PM, with a short service and time for stories and reflections at 5 PM at O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th Street in Hudson. To honor Jeffrey’s zest for life and love of color, we ask that you feel free to wear whatever feels comfortable and joyful. Burial will be private. Memorials are preferred at the discretion of the family.

Funeral services have been entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Homes.