Irene L. (Klusmeyer) Rudloff

      Irene L. Rudloff, 96, Jefferson City, died February 10, 2024.  Irene was born July 17, 1927, to Otto and Hilda (nee Schwartz) Klusmeyer in her parent’s farm home in the Missouri River bottoms near New Franklin.   

    Before and after graduation from Boonville High School, she worked in the office of Burkle automotive in Boonville.  She married William E. “Bill” Rudloff in 1946 and they lived in a small mobile home while Bill worked on commercial construction projects for two years.  Upon the birth of their first child, the couple began a life of farming near New Franklin.  Irene was a true farming partner.  She worked in the fields and took care of livestock.  She once suffered a broken arm while trying to crank-start a tractor.  At the same she managed to prepare delicious meals and make a loving home for her family.  After retirement from farming, Bill and Irene lived in Sedalia from 2000 to 2018.

   Irene was active in her community and church.  She was Worthy Matron of the New Franklin Eastern Star Lodge and served on the board of the United Church of Christ in New Franklin.  She served as manager of the New Franklin Senior Housing Association for 23 years, a job she dearly loved, and in 2002 was named as a regional Manager of the Year by the Missouri Council for Affordable Rental Housing.  She was active in her children’s school functions and extracurricular activities, and they both agree they were privileged to have her as a mother.  She comforted and assisted friends and relatives with their late-life health challenges.

    Irene was preceded in death by her husband, parents, son-in-law Tim Roesle and grandson, Christopher Nacy.  Survivors include son Steven Rudloff and wife Anika of Jefferson City; and daughter Sue Roesle of St. Joseph.  Another “adopted” son is Richard “Dick” Noland.  Dick and his wife KawanJa live in Merriam, KS, and he has fond memories of living in a supportive family environment with Bill, Irene, Steve and Sue for several years during his youth.  Irene has 7 surviving grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

    Visitation will be 1:30-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 24 at Markland-Yager Funeral Home, New Franklin.  A graveside service will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in New Franklin.

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