Rudy Donald Herrada, 52, of Hiawatha, died April 5, 2014 in a Wisconsin hospital due to complications of cancer.

Rudy was born February 23, 1962 in England. He moved to the US as a small child and grew up in Corpus Christie, Texas. He served in the US Air Force a few years. After being discharged he worked road construction the majority of his life.

Rudy moved to Hiawatha in 2008 with his life partner Lori Thonen. He worked for McFadden Construction in St. Joe for several years. He was employed at Fairview Mills in Hiawatha when he was diagnosed with cancer.

Rudy loved life and enjoyed cooking and barbequing for his family and friends. He had no children of his own but loved spending time with his step-children: Shawna Norris. Rebecca Burgoon, and great joy in being called “Poppy Rudy” by his step-grandchildren Ashlynn and Lance Norris, all of Atchison.

Survivors include his father Fred (Lou) Herrada Sr. of Corpus Christie, TX, sister Marie Herrada of Hiawatha, brother Freddy ( Brenda) Herrada of Dallas, TX and a sister Laurie (Alex) Scharff of San Antonio, TX, as well as, numerous step siblings, cousins, nephews and friends.

His family in Kansas includes his mother-in-law Vinita Thonen, brother-in-law Kevin (Brenda) Thonen, sister-in-law Pam (Richard) Tesoriero, as well as a niece, nephews and good friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Beryl Griffiths, and a brother John “Beto” Herrada.

A memorial service will be held May 31 at 1:00 at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center, 210 Lodge Road in Hiawatha, with Pastor Greg Pudwill officiating.

The family will visit with friends a half hour prior to service/

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Rudy Herrada memorial fund and may be sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home 124 S. 7^th Street, Hiawatha 66434.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com