This morning, Our Lady of Lourdes (my parish of residence) hosted the funeral of our retired pastor, Fr. Edward Rudemiller. A priest for 50 years, he was truly one of a kind. Early in his career, he served on faculty at Elder High School, where I also taught (albeit much later!). One of my seminary classmates was a frosh in his last year at the school. At the time, 'Fr. Rudy' was serving as Athletic Director. As he crossed the field of 'The Pit,' Elder's infamous football stadium (10,000 seat concrete horseshoe), the student section began to chant: 'Green Socks, Greek Socks, Green Socks!' It seems Fr. Rudemiller got tired of losing his socks in the laundry, so he bought bright green socks to wear, so that that all would know they were his.
He had a certain way with things, a unique spirit to say the least.
Anyway, 50 some priests showed, two Archbishops, and a church full of folks came to see him off. He had suffered greatly over these last few years, may he now rest in the peace of the Lord.
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Fr. Rudy was one of the "greats". He was unique, and a good priest. May God grant him peace and eternal rest.
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord....
Lots of good people being called, Father. I lost an uncle I never really knew but reunited with his son I have not seen in 50 years. The good man I bought this farm from passed away, son and grandson lost their best friend.
He is in my prayers.
I received my First Penance and Communion from Fr. Rudy at St. Aloysius on-the-Ohio in 1976. He was the first priest I could really relate to and that has stayed with me throughout the past 40 years. His passion for students, football, (and cigars) will be remembered fondly.
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