Rudolph Anderson

Rudolph “Rudy” Karl Anderson was born to Jack and Helen Anderson May 19, 1931, in Whitefish, Mont. The family returned to Custer, S.D., a year later, and Rudy spent most of his life in Custer.  
After graduating Custer High School in 1949 he served two years in the Marines during the early 1950s. Due to his outstanding mechanical skills he trained as a helicopter mechanic. Upon leaving the Marines, he used the GI bill to attend trade school in Springfield, S.D., studying auto body repair. While there, he met the love of his life on a blind date, Lois Stofferahn of Humboldt, S.D., who was pursuing her teaching certificate.
They were married Dec. 27, 1955, and lived in Sioux Falls, S.D., for a short period before moving to Custer in 1956. They were blessed with two children, Jacklyn Helen and Edward Ray, and raised their family in the same home they lived in for over 60 years. With Rudy’s skill and hard work, that home was remodeled from the ground up and was a home filled with grace and hospitality, enjoyed by countless guests.
For a short period Rudy owned his own autobody shop in Custer. In 1959 Rudy went to work for the U. S. Forest Service on the Bear Mountain Ranger District. He spent 23 years working for the U. S. Forest Service.
In 1970 Rudy was named Ranger of the Year, a national award for his work promoting Smokey Bear.  He later became a fire investigation officer, organizing and overseeing the coordination between fire districts in five states, as well as overseeing operations at the Helitack base in Hill City, S.D. His second career as a home remodeler and handyman started in 1982 and continued well into his 70s.  
Rudy invested in his community as a Custer town planning commission member, a Custer Lutheran Fellowship council member, a member of the board of directors of the Custer County Museum, an active member of the Custer Fire Department and Lion’s Club. Rudy volunteered to help wherever there was a need, and left a legacy in his beloved hometown.  
Known as a man of integrity, Rudy was wise, kind and funny. He was a friend who would go out of his way to help others and assure them they were welcomed into the Custer community. He loved hunting, woodworking, playing cards with friends and exploring new areas in the Black Hills.
He will be greatly missed.
Rudy passed away at Monument Health Hospital - Rapid City Nov. 5, 2024. He was 93.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Helen Anderson; and his grandson, Dr. Mark A. Bauer, PhD.
Rudy is survived by his wife, Lois; children, Jacklyn (Roland) Bauer and Edward (Shelly) Anderson;  grandchildren, Eric Bauer, Aaryn Spaulding, Jordyn Herra and Nikki Gardner;  and great-grandchildren Ollin and Myles.
All are invited to attend a Celebration of Life for this remarkable man Friday, Jan. 3, as we celebrate Rudy Anderson’s life and impact!  More service details will be forthcoming.
Memorials may be sent to 1881 Courthouse Museum, 441 Mt. Rushmore Road, Custer, SD 57730.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer.