John Elton Rudi

John Elton Rudi passed to the Lord on Friday July 22, 2022, at the age of 89. He was born on January 20, 1933, in Pueblo Colorado to Ole John and Ruby Rudi. The family moved to Woodburn Oregon in 1940. John grew up during the war and helped his family during those challenging times by raising rabbits and growing a garden to contribute food and income. He attended Woodburn High School and graduated Class of 1951. After High School, John studied at Pacific University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology. When John returned home after graduation, his father congratulated him as he handed him his draft notice. After serving in the US Army for three years, John returned to Oregon and started what would be a lifelong career as a high school biology teacher. John began teaching at various schools along the Oregon Coast but eventually was offered the opportunity to teach at Oregon City High School. He would go on to teach Biology at Oregon City HS for over 30 years. He was a very popular teacher and received many awards for his teaching. He was a great advocate of active participation in his classroom and focused on interactive labs and demonstrations.

John continued his service to the country by joining the Oregon National Guard and received his commission as a second lieutenant from the Orgon Military Academy in 1957. He served for a career of over 30 years in the Guard and Reserves, teaching for many of those years at the US Army Reserve School at Ft Vancouver Barracks. The time John spent in the military was a special honor for him and he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.

In 1965 John met the love of his life, Phyllis Fike and they married the following year. Phyllis was a third-grade teacher in Oregon City after moving to Oregon from North Dakota. John and Phyllis were inseparable and did everything together. Never a pair to stand still, they opened a florist shop in Woodburn on part of the family property in 1975. John and another friend built the store over one summer and evenings after school. Upon its opening, Rudi’s Flowers and Gifts was an immediate success. John and Phyllis operated and grew the business for many years.

John and Phyllis were devoted Oregon City residents and attended Oregon City Evangelical Church. However, several years ago they moved to Vancouver, WA to be closer to family. He was a man of many hobbies, including clock collecting and antiquing at estate sales and garage sales. More than anything else, John loved playing the Banjo. One of John’s greatest joys was being a member of the Rose City Banjoliers. The Banjoliers have entertained for many years at events and retirement centers throughout the Portland Metro area. John retired as President of the Rose City Banjoliers a couple of years ago but continued to practice with his banjos until his death.

John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Phyllis Rudi, his son from a prior marriage, John B. Rudi, his daughter-in-law Michele Rudi, Grandsons John Patrick and Matt and Granddaughter Grace. He was predeceased by his parents Ole and Ruby Rudi and sister Ardell Hall.