Rudolph Joseph Kucera

It is with great sadness that the family of Rudolph (Rudy) Joseph Kucera, of Hillsboro, announces his passing on Tuesday, May 7th at the age of 90. Mr. Kucera was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Violet Lou Chaffin Kucera, sons Derrick Vincent Kucera and Duke Kevin Kucera, parents Joseph William Kucera, Jr. and Mary Ann Simicek Kucera, and sister Lillian Mae Kucera Beckham. Mr. Kucera is survived by his son, Rudolph Joseph Kucera, Jr.; his daughter, Katherine Kucera Joseph; his grandson, Tobia Nicholas Joseph, Jr. (Laura) of Helena; and two great-grandchildren, Anna Katherine and Johnathan Marshall Joseph.

Mr. Kucera graduated as salutatorian from La Vega High School in Bellmead, TX and subsequently attended Baylor University, where he played trumpet in the Golden Wave Band. Mr. Kucera graduated from Baylor in 1950 with a B.S. in Chemistry and attended Perdue University for post-graduate work. After completing his formal education, Mr. Kucera worked as chemist and factory superintendent at Certain-teed Products Corporation before beginning his 30+ year career at Monsanto. He retired in 1989 as Monsanto’s Superintendent of Environmental, Health, and Safety Services. After retirement, Mr. Kucera operated a 150 acre cattle farm and raised catfish.

Mr. Kucera enjoyed traveling, and journeyed to all 50 states and Puerto Rico, as well as nine countries. An avid golfer, Mr. Kucera also enjoyed politics, westerns and Alabama football. A devoted member of the Resurrection Catholic Chapel, Mr. Kucera will be remembered by his family and community for his extraordinary faithfulness and service.

Church services for Mr. Kucera will be held 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 31st at the Morris Chapel Resurrection Catholic Chapel, 4826 Co. Rd. 217 Hillsboro, AL, with reception to follow. A graveside service will be held on Saturday June 1st, at 2 p.m. at Roselawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Resurrection Chapel at P.O. Box 550, Moulton, Alabama 35650 or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Roselawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.