Rudolf “Rudy” Walter Mothes, 86, a resident of Siren, Wisconsin, passed away on Feb. 15, 2024, at the Burnett Medical Center.
Rudy was born on Jan. 24, 1938, in Elmhurst, Illinois, to parents, Walter and Dorothea “Dora” Mothes.
Rudy’s parents immigrated to the U.S. from Germany in the 1920s. After Rudy was born, they moved up to the Siren area and operated Waldora Farms until the mid- 1950s. Rudy graduated from Siren High School in 1956 and joined the Army serving from 1956-1958 and returned to the Siren area.
Rudy married the love of his life, Ruth Curtis, on Aug. 29, 1958, at the First Baptist Church in Falun, Wisconsin.
Rudy held many jobs throughout the next few decades including Penta Wood Products and Hedlund Gas Company. He became self-employed when he started the Siren Coal Company in 1980, with the following year starting the Siren Steel Company. He also started R&R Insulation in the mid ‘80s. Siren Steel Company continued until Rudy sold to the current owners in 2017. He retained ownership of Rudy’s Truck Shop until his death––enjoying his passion of restoring antique trucks and other vehicles. One of his side jobs for many years was a carrier for the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Rudy also owned and maintained several rental units in the Siren and Grantsburg area over the years.
Community was important to Rudy as he served on the Siren Fire Department for 30 years and 11 of those years as the fire chief. He also served in the Siren Lions Club, Siren Village Board, Siren School Board and treasurer and board member for First Baptist Church of Falun. Rudy and his wife, Ruth, were also project managers for the Siren Ball Park which they were instrumental in developing in 1992. The Siren Ball Park and the Siren community thrives yet today with many remembering Rudy’s contributions over the years.
Rudy was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ruth; parents; son, Robb; and siblings, Dorothy, Gordon, Wolfgang and Gunther “Smokey.”
He is survived by his children, Rana' (John) Van Norman and Reno (Bria) Mothes; grandchildren, Nicole, Evan, Anya and Joren; great-grandchild, Alanis; special friend, Naomi Glover; along with other relatives and many friends.
The visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Webster, Wisconsin. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at 11 a.m. with visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Falun with Pastor Mike Kleven officiating. Burial will follow the service at Mud hen Lake Cemetery with pallbearers Evan Van Norman, John Van Norman, Kurt Lahners, Kenneth Lahners, Dale Richter, Jim Jaskolka and Lonnie Lundquist.
Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at swedberg-taylor.com.
