May 28, 1930 – November 29, 2024, Mr. Bernard “Ben” Rudecki, 94 passed away on November 29, 2024, at his residence at OakWoods Manor in LaPorte, IN.

Ben was born on May 28, 1930, in Three Oaks, MI to Mike and Anna (Krautichek) Rudecki. Ben lived in Three Oaks, Michigan for many years with his family.

Ben was a farmer in Three Oaks, MI. On June 18, 1954, Ben married Evelyn M. Novy in Rolling Prairie, IN. They were married for 57 years before Evelyn passed away on March 22, 2012. Ben worked at Clark Equipment Co. in Buchanan, MI, for 20 years. Ben is a member of Holy Family Parish, Sacred Heart Church of LaPorte, IN.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Evelyn M Rudecki; siblings: Joe, Frank, Walt, Ann, John, Mary, Sophie “Dutch”, brother-in-law Frank Novy, and son Richard D. Rudecki.

In 1978 Ben and Evelyn moved their family to Walkerton, IN. Ben and Evelyn ran a 75-head dairy farm. In 1995 the farm was sold and Ben went to work at Twin Maple Tool as a tool and die maker. Ben was a member of the National Farmers Organization (NFO) and Knights of Columbus Council #5709.

Ben and Evelyn had six children. Ben is survived by Randall L. (Beth) Rudecki of South Vienna, OH; Mary (Tom) Macigewski of Buchanan, MI; Daughter-in-law Karen Rudecki of Harvest, AL; Victoria Ann (Timothy) Krohn of Walkerton, IN; Michael F. (Susan) Rudecki of Walkerton, IN; Robert B. (Sheree) Rudecki of Walkerton, IN.

There are 14 surviving grandchildren: Mark (Jill) Rudecki of Findlay, OH; Paul (Stephanie) Rudecki of Columbus, OH; Amy (Evan) Thornton of South Vienna, OH; Veronica Sawyer of Buchanan, MI; Caleb Sawyer of Buchanan, MI; Michael Rudecki of Huntsville, AL; Matthew Rudecki of Harvest, AL; Isaac Krohn of Plymouth, IN; Emily (Bryton) Shreve of Osceola, IN; Mollie Rudecki of Mishawaka, IN; Thomas Rudecki of Walkerton, IN; Jacob Rudecki of Mishawaka, IN; Justin Rudecki of Mishawaka, IN; and Julia Rudecki of Walkerton, IN. Surviving is sister-in-law Carolyn Gring of Valparaiso, IN; 2 nieces and one nephew of Valparaiso, IN.

Survived are eight great-grandchildren: Julius, Elijah, Isaiah, and Evelyn Rudecki of Findlay, OH; Addison, Caison, and Emerson Thornton of South Vienna, OH; Hudson Shreve of Osceola, IN; 2 more great-grandchildren due to arrive in 2025.

Ben remarried Ann Marie McGowan on April 6, 2013, in LaPorte, IN. Ben and Ann Marie met at Sacred Heart Church in LaPorte, IN. Ben and Ann Marie have been married for 11 years. Ben was preceded in death by stepson Danny McGowan. Ben is survived by his wife Ann Marie Rudecki of LaPorte, IN; step-brother-in-law-in, Tom (Barbara) Reed of Clarkdale, AZ, step-son John (Debby) McGowan of LaPorte, IN.

There are three surviving step-grandchildren: Joe McGowan of St. Augustine, FL; Ken McGowan of South Bend, IN; and Katie (Ben) Compton of Fort Wayne, IN.

Surviving are 11 step-great-grandchildren: Coral, Jace, Britain, and Kennan McGowan of St. Augustine, FL; Stuart, Morgan, Madison, Emily, Olivia, and Rowan McGowan of South Bend, IN and Collin Compton of Fort Wayne, IN. Surviving one step great-great grandchild Avaya of St. Augustine, FL.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana, where a parish Rosary will be recited at 6:45 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 11 AM on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Holy Family Parish, Sacred Heart Church 201 Bach Street, La Porte, Indiana.

Family and friends may gather from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM on Thursday in the funeral home prior to the Mass.  Burial will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery in La Porte.

The family of Ben thanks Heart to Heart Hospice, the staff at Oak Woods Manor, and Lita’s caregiver team for their exceptional care of Ben.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Ben’s life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please visit esslingfuneralhome.com