Obituary
David A. Rudolph
David (Dave) Rudolph, age 81, of La Crosse, passed away Wednesday, December 6th, 2023. He was born on March 17, 1942, to Alois and Mary Louise (Brown) Rudolph in La Crosse. Dave married Sandy Alme on August 7, 1971.
Dave attended Holy Trinity and Aquinas Catholic Schools. He graduated from UW-La Crosse with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in History. Dave also completed a master’s degree in Reading.
From 1969 to 2000, Dave worked as an educator. He was a teacher for 3 years at Lincoln Middle School and for 31 years at Central High School. He was a tremendous advocate for both teachers and students over the years. Dave was involved in the La Crosse Education Association as a member, building representative, and on the leadership team. He also served as a representative for the National Education Association. Dave coached basketball, football, softball, and baseball. He ran and attended Central’s Memorial Day ceremony for several decades. From 2008 to 2020, Dave was a member of the La Crosse School Board and served as the vice president for some of his tenure.
Dave’s dedication to lifelong learning led him to share his knowledge with others, even after his retirement. Dave provided private tutoring through local organizations and in conjunction with the Mathy Boy’s and Girl’s Club. Dave worked for a time through Western Technical College to provide GED tutoring to employees at Freudenberg NOK in Necedah. He continued to work as a substitute teacher in multiple local area school districts. He enjoyed volunteering his time reading in elementary classrooms, especially those where his grandkids attended.
Throughout his life, Dave was involved in many other community organizations and activities. He was a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where he taught Sunday school, served as a lectern, and was involved with various other religious services. Other charitable causes that Dave supported during his lifetime included working with the La Crosse Jaycees and at the La Crosse Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Dave also enjoyed many hobbies that included golf, fantasy football, crossword puzzles, cards, trivia, and coffee with friends.
Dave’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed making great memories with his loved ones over the years that included lots of family trips and family gatherings.
Dave was an amazing man who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Dave is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Sandy; children and grandchildren; Terri and John Monnett III and their son John IV; Cindy and Donavan Bahls and their children Danielle and Ben; David and Katherine Rudolph and their children Natalie, Elias, and Aubrey. Dave is further survived by his siblings: Don Rudolph, Al (Janice) Rudolph, Steve (Mary) Rudolph, Ann (John) Zlabek, and Mike (Ev) Rudolph and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Mary Beth Rudolph, sister-in-law Karin Rudolph, and infant siblings Katherine Ann and Rita Jean.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
Visitation will be Sunday, December 17th from 3-7 pm at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska. Friends and family can also pay respects from 9:30-10:30 am on Monday, December 18th at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1333 13th St S, La Crosse. A Mass of Catholic Burial will be held at 10:30 am with a luncheon to follow at Holy Trinity Leo Hall.
I graduated with Dave at Aquinas in 1960. He had a great personality and a friendly smile. My sympathy to his family and may he RIP.
Dave coached 6th grade football at Holy Trinity I went to Webster School and he let me play on the Holy Trinity team I was just a kid who wanted to play on a football team.Thats the kinda guy Dave was a Great Coach and a Great Mentor of young people.RIP DAVE YOU MADE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE
Dave was a very kind man and a hard working person! Condolences to his family and a promise of prayers for a special place in heaven!
Mr. Rudolph will be remembered for his dedication to the teaching profession, years of service to the students of the School District of La Crosse, and service on the School board. A memorial will be given to the LEA scholarship fund in his name. Our sincere condolences to the Rudolph family.
Dave will be truly missed. I enjoyed teaching and coaching with him. Mary and I offer our condolences.
My condolences to the Rudolph family. Was blessed to have Dave as teacher and coach. Dedicated, and committed to his students and players in every way. Greg Voss
Mr Rudolph was my favorite teacher during my years at Central. Can still remember his detailed analysis of the book Catcher in the Rye. He really provoked his students to think. My sympathy to his family.
You said The Catcher in the Rye. Well, I analyzed that one in the same English course in college (UW-Parkside)! I did not know about David’s (that is what he said to call him after I introduced myself to him at Holy Trinity, as I recognized him) mastery of The Catcher in the Rye. If you remember some of his literary analysis of that, I would be Grateful if you could share it with me: spfhr@centurytel.net. My name is Steve, Central class of ’85. (I had Great Expectations English with Ms. Haskel.)
My name is Don Kube, Mr. Rudolph was one of my favorite coaches and teacher. He was such a kind person and so encouraging but. At the same time could “get in your grill” if needed. He was loved and respected by many! He will be missed but someday we will be reunited in heaven where there will be no more tears or suffering! My condolences go out to Mr. Rudolph’s family! ??❤️
Mr. Rudolph was an amazing teacher. He taught so much that was academics, but also so much about life and how to live with morals and values. Thanks for all you did for so many. To those that loved him, may you find peace and comfort in the stories you tell and memories you hold in your hearts.
I graduated in the Aquinas class of 1960 with Dave. I am so impressed in the many ways Dave gave back to his community. As a lifelong learner and educator myself, I appreciate his contributions as a teacher, coach and mentor to others. Dave was a role model to so many!
I extend my sympathies to his family and friends.
Mary Hyde Hoffmann
My deepest Condolences and Sympathies out to the family. I knew Dave thru Sandy and their Children.
Mr./Coach Rudolph was amazing. From Lincoln Jr. High on, more than 50 years, he always remembered my name, and always wanted to know how I was doing. All the students over the years he cared about…My condolences.
Dear Rudolph Family, please receive our condolences on the passing of Dave. Antonio and Marina Toledo.
cindy and family, prayers to you ,i am so sorry to hear this sad news.
Bless you and your family coach! Loved and respected this man as a teacher, coach and colleague! His time, energy and enthusiasm for Central High School and the LaCrosse School District will always be appreciated!!! Rest in Peace ❤️?
Dave was a wonderful person. When we were little he would show up at our grandparent’s (Eleanor and Howard Young) on Christmas Eve dressed as Santa Claus. He always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. I had the privilege to be in his class as a student at Central. And when he had his first daughter I had the honor to babysit for him and his wife. God bless all the Rudolph’s. Sending prayers and love to you from afar. Vicki (Kopski) McCarthy
Coach Rudolph is the perfect example of a great educator. I was fortunate to have him as a teacher and a coach.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Rudolph Family.
Dave was an amazing educator and had a major impact on hundreds of students as well as the educational community. He was an example of generosity. Thank you Dave!
Thank God for wonderful Mr Rudolph as a teacher, coach and friend! I pray that God continues to bless his family and friends with peace and comfort! Heaven is where he is now, full of joy with family and friends and God! All of the students that he taught and coached, learned there is more to life than sitting in a classroom or standing on a basketball court or football field – life needs to respected and everyone is responsible to reflect that to themselves and others! Thanks coach Rudolph for the great memories!
I taught and coached with Dave for many years. He was a true supporter of students, staff, and the educational community. My thoughts and prayers go to Sandy and family.
Jim Nesbitt
I had the privilege of being taught by “Mr. Rudolph” while attending Central in the late 80’s. To say that he was an excellent teacher is an understatement! He had a passion and love for teaching like no other and truly cared for his students. I loved his no-nonsense approach…while a student and especially now as an adult. I graduated early and he supported my idea of a class celebration including to allow me to bring in treats and pizzas. His class and that celebration are two of my most favorite high school memories! He always “knew” which students might need a “little more” and every so subtly made sure they received it.
During my years at Shopko, he and Sandy would often come in and he always had time for a quick chat. Later, I also had the opportunity to work with Cindy (daughter).
LaCrosse has lost one of it’s finest! My sincere condolences to the entire Rudolph family!
Dave Rudolf was a wonderful asset for Central, the School District and the whole community of La Crosse. He wore so many hats over the years, as teacher, coach, union rep and school board member, as well as dedicated family man. He was an exemplary human being whom I am proud to remember as a colleague. My sincere condolences to his family.
Just saw the news about Coach Rudolph. He was a great coach and wonderful man who set a great example for students, athnletes, and all those around him. He was my basketball coach at Lincoln and football coach at Central. During those years, my smaller size made it harder for me to get playing time despite having good athletic skills. Coach Rudolph found a way for me to contribute to the team, get some action now and then and feel a part of our success. I will always appreciate how he treated me and each of the student-athletes he coached. I didn’t have him as a teacher, but learned a lot from him regardless! Rest in Peace, Coach Rudolph. I will always appreciate and think of you, and value the time we had together.