Herbert Anthony "Herbie" Rudnicki

Herbert A. “Herbie” Rudnicki, age 99, formerly of St. Clement Court, Toledo, OH passed away on July 7, 2024, at home in Marysville, Ohio surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 17, 1924, in Toledo, OH to Casper and Rose (Holewinski) Rudnicki.  Herb was a graduate of Libbey High School and a proud WWII Veteran of the US Navy, serving his country, spending 4 years in Hawaii as a Navy Seabee.  His construction unit-built airstrips (and probably a few latrines, as well). He worked for Champion Spark Plug as a machine operator, where his work ethic was always impeccable, for over 37 years, retiring in 1985. Everyone who worked with him knew that he did his job and they could always count on “Herb” to help them if they had any issues. He also worked at a variety of short-term jobs, including LOF and Chrysler Jeep. He was a member of the American Legion Conn Weissenberger Post 587, VFW Post 8847 in New Bavaria, OH, and the Knights of Columbus Council 5534 in Marysville, OH. 

Upon retirement, Herb spent winters in Florida with his wife, and summers back home in Toledo.  During retirement and before, he worked numerous functions, including Friday Fish Fries as a Legion member both in Toledo and Marysville. When Herb and his wife Delphine, moved to Marysville, he brought along his knowledge and experience.  Herb enjoyed spending time with his wife, Delphine, as well as his other family members and friends.   It didn’t matter what needed to be done, whether cooking, cleaning or entertaining with a few jokes, Herb was always there for others, helping in any way he could.  Herb generously gave more than he received, and he never asked for anything. And he really knew how to make authentic, fresh, Polish kielbasa.

When anyone needed help, Herb was always first to volunteer.  If someone needed a special tool for a project, if he didn’t have it, Herb would go out and buy the tool, just so that individual could borrow it.  He always looked after the other person, before thinking about himself.  He was happiest when he was busy doing something, whether around the house, the church or within the community.

Throughout his years, Herb remained very family oriented. Herb was a longtime parishioner of St. Clement Catholic Church in Toledo and a member of the Knights of Columbus in Marysville, Ohio. He devoted time to his church as an usher and at church bingo.  Everyone knew that if they needed advice, support or just someone to talk to, Herb was always there, putting the other person ahead of himself. 

In 2012, Herbert was named Knight of the Year by the Knights of Columbus in Marysville, Ohio. Herb didn’t just talk about his faith; he practiced his faith.  While not the tallest of individuals, he was a giant in his actions and his heart and deserved every honor that came his way. God couldn’t have a better cheerleader than Herb Rudnicki and he couldn’t have been a better Husband, Father and Friend. Now Herb is in Heaven working the fish fry for God. 

Herb is survived by his daughters, Susan Nowicki, Rose Lynn De Cola, and Carole A. (Jeffery) Smith; son, Thomas (Sharon) Rudnicki; 6 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Barbara Henson; and sister-in-law, Carol Rudnicki. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Delphine (Michalski) Rudnicki; brothers, Richard and Casmir Rudnicki; and sister, Phyllis Creque.

The Funeral Mass will be Monday July 22, 2024 at 10 AM at St. Clement Catholic Church, 3030 Tremainsville Rd., Toledo, OH preceded by visitation from 9 to 10 AM at the church. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the VFW Post 606 Burial Corps.                                                 

In lieu of flowers please consider memorial donations to be given to a charity of the donor’s choice or St Clement Catholic Church. Arrangements were entrusted to Sujkowski Funeral Home Northpointe, 419-476-9176. Condolences can be shared at www.sujkowski.com.

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