Rudolph F. Burgener

Rudolph F. ‘Rudy’ Burgener, 82, of Merrill, passed away Friday, July 20, 2018 at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill. Rudolph was born June 20, 1936, in the Town of Rock Falls, Lincoln County, son of the late Albert and Louise (Kautz) Burgener. He married Rita Campbell on May 14, 1955. She survives. Rudy served his country in the United States National Guard. Rudy was a dairy farmer in the Town of Rock Falls. He had also worked at Weinbrenner Shoe Company in Merrill for over twenty years, and had served as the Union President. Rudy worked several side jobs as well; he was a bus driver, he had a cattle route and a milk route, and he cut pulp. Rudy served as the Town Chairman of the Town of Rock Falls and also served on many of the township’s committees. He was member of St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill. Rudy enjoyed hunting and playing cards. He enjoyed playing cribbage tournaments up north and playing cards with various card clubs. Most of all, Rudy enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Rita Burgener of Merrill; three daughters, Judy (Lyman) Hatz of Sun Prairie, WI, Kay (Doug) Behnke of Stuart, FL and Lori (Mike) Janssen of Merrill; two granddaughters, Mandy (Jimmy) Clark of Merrill and Leigha (Bryce) Lezotte of Merrill; six great-grandchildren, Alixandra, Adison, Avery, J.J., Emma and Easton; and two brothers, Tony Burgener and Herbie Burgener, both of Merrill. Rudy was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Michelle Burgener; an infant sister, Judy Burgener; and a brother, Albert Burgener, Jr. The funeral service for Rudy will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, July 26, 2018 at Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. The Rev. Greg Laska will officiate. Burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery, Town of Rock Falls, with graveside military rites conducted by Merrill V.F.W. Post 1638 Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 25th and after 10:00 A.M. Thursday, July 26th all at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com