Edward J. Rudnicki

Edward J. Rudnicki, Sr., of Rockford, IL, passed from this life to his heavenly reward on January 4, 2024. He was born in Chicago, IL on June 23, 1927 to James and Stella (Podsiadly) Rudnicki. The family relocated to northern Wisconsin, starting a dairy farm outside Ojibwa when Ed was in High School. The work ethic that this installed in him and his siblings lasted throughout his lifetime, as did his strong affection for this piece of land and the many relatives who also lived in the area.

Ed was blessed to meet the love of his life Jeanne (Lovisetto) Rudnicki through his sister Rose. They began 74 years of married life on August 27, 1949. Ed was devoted to his family, his many friends, and his faith. He greatly enjoyed travel, playing cards, golf, watching sports (especially Boylan, the Cubs, the Fighting Irish, and the Badgers) and lending a helping hand. Running, fishing, pheasant hunting and supporting his sons in Boy Scouts were passions that matched up well with his love of the outdoors.

Ed attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison on the GI Bill, having served in the Army at the conclusion of WWII. After graduation he was recruited by a Rockford accounting firm where he rose to become a Partner. Upon retiring in 1985 he joined the faculty at Northern Illinois University, where he taught aspiring CPA’s for 10 years. Winters thereafter were spent with Jeanne in Scottsdale, AZ, but always returning to Rockford in the spring with regular trips to enjoy the family property outside Ojibwa.

True to his Catholic faith, Ed was most generous with his time, talent, and treasure. He was a benefactor to and leader of many religious, charitable, professional and civic organizations. Ed particularly enjoyed his commitment to Holy Family Parish, the Rockford Noon Lions, and the Foundation for International Cooperation. Through the latter Jeanne and he both hosted international visitors in their home and traveled the world. One of their fondest memories was celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary with Jeanne’s extended family in Cittadella, Italy.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Rose (Rudnicki) Karczewski, a brother-in-law Steve Karczewski and a sister-in-law Lawaine “Sis” Rudnicki. He is survived by his wife Jeanne, brothers Gene (Joyce) Rudnicki and Ray (Chris) Rudnicki, five sons Tom (Vira) Rudnicki of Rockford, Jim (Mary) Rudnicki of Elburn IL, Steve (Anne) Rudnicki of Columbia SC, Ed Jr. (Jean) Rudnicki of Bangor ME and Mike Rudnicki of San Clemente CA, thirteen grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Please join the family on January 20, 2024 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Road, Rockford, Illinois. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. followed by Mass. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, followed by a luncheon celebration of Ed’s life. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Poor Clares of Rockford and Heartland Hospice. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com