Rudy Stock

Rudolph (Rudy “The Painter, Jake) G. Stock, 74, of Fargo, ND, died Saturday, February 9, 2008, peacefully at Rosewood on Broadway, Fargo, following a courageous year long battle with A.L.L. In his final days, as during his life, he was surrounded and comforted by the love of family and friends. Rudy was born December 29, 1933, the only child of Mary (Kollar) Dykes and George Stach in Wolverton, MN. He was raised by his grandparents Adolph and Amelia Kollar on a farm near Pelican Rapids, MN, along with ten aunts and uncles. His youth was filled with discovery, hard work and laughter. Rudy graduated in 1952, from West Central School of Agriculture in Morris, MN. As a student body leader, he participated in basketball, baseball, rifle club, key club, WCCC, letterman’s club, King’s Attendant and school photographer. His nickname was “Hollywood.” He was co-captain of the football team and an undefeated state champion wrestler where his average pin was 19 seconds. He was a recipient of the Sears Roebuck Scholarship and a member of the Honor A Society. On December 7, 1952, Rudy married Joan Olson in Barrett, MN. They made their residence in Fargo, ND, where he was a painter for 57 years. He worked first, with Henning’s Painting and Decorating, then with Twin City Construction. He started his own business, Stock Decorating, which he ran for 25 years, from which he never retired. Rudy’s willingness to help others led him to teach Cub Scouts, Sunday school, Painter’s Apprenticeship School and give neighborhood kids employment. He gave back to the community by volunteering his time to many charitable causes. He was also a Recording Secretary and Treasurer of the FM Trade Painters Local 1908, for over 23 years, a Recording Secretary for the FM Trades and Labor Assembly, Financial Secretary for the FM Trades and Labor Credit Union and a delegate for the Minnesota State Conference of Painters. Rudy always remained very active his entire life in bowling, softball, golfing, skiing, hunting, fishing and gardening. He followed sports of all kinds and wished that someday he could be a coach. His biggest passion was spending time with his family whether it was at Lake Six or hunting and fishing with his boys and friends. We give thanks to the many medical experts and caregivers with whom Dad was able to share his days and a special thanks to those whom were able to understand and see the love that Dad displayed for life each and every day. We also thank the many friends, high school classmates, and teachers who have shared their special memories of Rudy with us. We can’t express our gratitude enough for these memories. Rudy’s spirit will live on in the hearts and warm memories of those whose lives he has touched. We will all miss his contagious smile, his humorous wit, his unbridled energy, his willingness to put others first, his genuine caring, his enormous love of life, and his love for his family. He lived a simple but rich life, and his warm embrace will envelop us forever. Rudy is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joan; five children, Jody (Dave) Suedel; Dan Stock; Terry (Cindy) Stock; Jill (Barry) Freed; and Jana McShurley; five grandchildren, Shannon (Jeff) Beauchamp, whom he raised as a daughter; Cami McShurley, Jessica Stock, Christopher Stock and Kaylin Olson; step-grandchildren and many step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, his grandparents and many aunts and uncles. Funeral Service: Friday, February 15, 2008, at 11:00AM, at Peace Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND. Visitation: Thursday, February 14, 2008, from 5-7:00PM, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND. Prayer Service: Thursday at 7pm, at Hanson-Runsvold. Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Fargo, ND.