Michael Thomas Rudd

 (1944-2024)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Michael Thomas Rudd of Lincoln, Nebraska, who passed away peacefully on February 12, 2024, in Lincoln, Nebraska with his family by his side. He was 79 years of age. Michael was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Frank Rudd and Albina (Stamm) Rudd.

Michael grew up in Cleveland, OH with his parents and four siblings. As a young boy, he started his strong work ethic by delivering newspapers as a paperboy for the Cleveland Plain Dealer.  He attended Cathedral Latin High School where he played football and was a diver on the swim team. In the years following graduation, Michael attended the University of Nebraska Lincoln on a football scholarship and played for the Cornhuskers during the 1962-1966 seasons. During his time at the University as an undergraduate, Michael joined the ROTC. Michael continued on with his studies and earned his Juris Doctorate Degree in Law from the University of Nebraska College of Law. While at the University Michael met and later married the love of his life, Jodene Robinson.

Following college, Michael went on to serve in the United States Army as a Captain and attended JAG School in Charlottesville, Virginia. Michael’s first duty station as a JAG Officer was at FT. Eustis, Newport News, Virginia. He was stationed on several U.S. bases during his military service. Michael also served overseas in Nuremberg, Germany, along with his family, for three years. During their time in Germany, Michael and his family were able to travel throughout Europe experiencing lasting memories and making lifelong friends. Upon returning to the states, Michael went on to Washington D.C., to study at George Washington University and Walter Reed Medical Center to complete his degree in Forensic Medicine. From there, he continued his service, moving the family to Augusta, Georgia, where he practiced law representing U.S. soldiers in the southern United States.

Michael and Jody returned to Lincoln, NE where they continued to raise their family. They were dedicated to each other in marriage for over 56 years. Michael and Jody were blessed with seven children: Mark, Lisa, Michael, John, David, Christina, and Andrew. Michael was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. The stories of his love and support of his family are abundant.

Michael was one of a kind, with a passion for living life and living it to the fullest. He had a contagious personality filled with fun, laughter, and genuine kindness to all that crossed his path. He could be heard from blocks away, sitting in the stands and cheering on his children at their ball games. He was a proud father, not only supporting his children, but also their friends throughout the many years. Michael believed strongly in giving back to the community; he was dedicated to giving blood at the Nebraska Community Blood Bank, giving his time to others when needed, supporting the military and local veterans, sharing his faith and love for God, and genuinely bringing daily joy and laughter to all those around him. He had a passion for cars, traveling, and having large cookouts with family. Michael especially cherished the holidays with the family all together. One of his favorite past times was walking on the beach at Lido Key in Sarasota, Florida and watching the sunset.

Michael’s commitment and love for his wife, children and grandchildren will be felt for generations to come.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Jody Rudd. Children; Mark and Dawn Rudd, Lisa Rudd, Michael and Aimee Rudd, John and Tricia Rudd, David Rudd, Christina and Dan Rezabek, Andrew and Megan Rudd.

Grandchildren; Ashley and Paul Hoebelheinrich, Amanda and Tucker Hochstein, Emmabella Rudd, Evan Rudd, Ava Rudd, Addyson Rudd, Lilly Rudd, Olivia Rudd, Wells Rudd. Sister and Brother-in-law; Ann (Rudd) and Leon Robison.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents; Frank and Albina Rudd, sisters; Frances Rudd Owen, Helen Rudd Samolis, brother; Edward Rudd.

A Funeral Mass is planned at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ, 3500 Sheridan Boulevard, Lincoln, NE.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 22nd, 2024.

Memorials to be designated to the Rudd family, in care of Jody Rudd.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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