Arthur G. Rudd

When reflecting on the life of Arthur Rudd we are reminded that what matters in life is not what we have, rather, it is in the love we share with those around us that we find true joy. An honorable and hardworking man, he accomplished so much of which to be proud and was well known within the community he called home throughout his life. A man of many interests, he lived life to the fullest each day while making priceless memories along the way with his family and friends. With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Art created a colorful mosaic of memories that will be forever cherished by those he leaves behind. The decade of the 1920s was primarily a prosperous one filled with numerous advancements that transformed the way we lived our everyday lives. The radio was the lifeline to the world around us, and with more affordable cars roads were being constructed everywhere. Legends like Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb commanded baseball fields all across the nation while jazz music dominated the cultural fabric of America. It was during this exciting time that a young couple from Muskegon, Michigan, was eagerly anticipating the arrival of their new baby. Their wait was over on August 13, 1927, when the son they named Arthur George was born in the family home on Harrison Avenue. He was one of seven children born to his parents, Adin and Ethel (Johnson) Rudd, and he was raised in the family home alongside his siblings, Martha, Harriet, Estella, Sarah, Carl, and Adin. Arts father was a steamfitter and union leader while his mother was both a baker and a cook. For the most part Arthur experienced a typical childhood. It was during his formative years that he developed a love for hunting and fishing, which he would enjoy for the rest of his life. Art was a student at local schools including Angell Elementary, Muskegon Jr. High, and Muskegon High School. The American landscape was forever changed with the deadly attack on our nations naval base in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. This time of great need inspired Art to answer the call to serve during this important time. He chose to enlist in the Navy prior to graduating from high school, as he had successfully passed all his classes by testing out early. Art's mother attended his graduation in his absence. While in the military much of his time was spent serving in the South Pacific. Life was forever changed for Art when he met and later married Jean Kuerth. Together they were blessed with their son, Michael, who was born in 1951. With a desire to build a successful career, Arthur received his Bachelor Degree of Business from the University of Michigan. Shortly thereafter, he began working at Maihofer, Moore & DeLong CPA Firm and received his CPA Certificate in 1955. Arts successes didnt end there, however, as in 1958 he became a partner in the firm and co-manager in 1961. The firm joined with Alexander Grant & Company at which time he was a tax partner in the firm. In 1975 Art left the firm and became a founder of Brickley DeLong and Rudd where he was president until his retirement. Retirement looked a bit different for him than it does for most as he never really stopped working. Arthur continued to work for those who were in need of CPA services but could not afford to pay. He was also a member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Michigan Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A businessman at heart, Art also became an owner of Raydon Lumber Co. and AGR & Son Farm Inc. It was because of a desire to serve the community he loved that Art was involved in a variety of different businesses and organizations in the area. He served on the board of Ameribank in addition to several other boards, either as a director or consultant. As an outdoor enthusiast himself, Art was instrumental in forming the Muskegon Sport Fishing Association, Ducks Unlimited, and Fisherman's Landing, where he was also treasurer of those organizations for many years. He served as councilman for the City of Norton Shores and city commissioner for the City of Muskegon, where he also served on the Pension Fund. In addition, Arthur was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ. Throughout his life, Arthur was one to keep busy. In addition to hunting and fishing, he also enjoyed golfing, photography, and farming. Art raised retrievers for show and at one time had dogs in the top of the best of breed of class in national competitions. With unending passion for the people and things he loved, Arthur Rudd made a significant impact in the lives of those around him. He was equipped with a spirit of generosity, serving others in numerous ways. Art was known for his strong work ethic and drive to succeed in every area of his life. He will be dearly missed and warmly remembered. Arthur G. Rudd died on Thursday, November 7, 2013. Arts family includes his grandchildren, Lee Jay (Kimberly) Rudd and Marlene Rudd; great grandchildren, Skylar, Landyn, Liam, and Bailey; daughter-in-law, Arta Rudd; sister, Sarah "Sally" Bialik; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. Art was preceded in death by his former wife, Jean; son, Michael; sisters, Martha, Harriet, Estella; brothers, Carl and Adin. Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at First Congregational Church UCC with Rev. Timothy Vander Haar officiating with Military Honors under the Auspices of the Muskegon County Council of Veterans. Visit with Arthurs family and friends onTuesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Clock Funeral Home-Muskegon and 1 hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Harbor Hospice-Poppen House or First Congregational Church UCC. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.