Rudy Kaluza, Jr.

Rudolph "Rudy" Kaluza Jr., age 94, of Robinson, passed away Tuesday evening, June 12, 2018 at Ridgecrest Retirement Center in Waco. A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Thursday at Aderhold Funeral Chapel in West, followed by a visitation till 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Friday at St. Marys Catholic Church of the Assumption, with Rev. Walter Dhanwar as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Marys Cemetery, conducted by West Veterans Honor Guard. Rudy was born September 9, 1923 in Penelope, the son of Mary (Mynar) and Rudolph Kaluza Sr. He attended school in Bynum. In serving his country, he joined the United States Army during World War II stationed in Germany, England, France and Belgium. On October 22, 1946 he was united in marriage to Ernestine Uptmore in West. Rudy worked as a cabinet maker for Khoury Inc. for many years until his retirement in 1985. He also worked for L. L. Sams, Nate Chodorow in Waco and Bill Charlton in West. He was a longtime and faithful member of St. Marys Catholic Church in Waco. He was also a member of SPJST Lodge 66 Linden Hall and the American Legion Post #478. Rudy cherished his wife of 71 years and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He had a great sense of humor and was always laughing and joking around with all who knew him. He enjoyed singing, painting, working with wood, coloring, riding his gator and feeding the animals. Rudy is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John Kaluza, Alfred Kaluza, Ernest Kaluza and Robert Kaluza; a sister, Margaret Makovy; a son-in-law, Ricky Herod; and a great grandson, Bradley Eckenrode. Survivors include his beloved wife, Ernestine Kaluza of Robinson; his daughters, Peggy Lowrey and husband Roy of Crawford, Kathy Herod of Robinson, Sandra Reddig and husband Jim of Elm Mott, Cynthia Kaluza and husband Steve Fincher and Brenda Kaluza, all of Waco, and Becky Jackson and husband Nick of Beverly Hills; grandchildren, Keith Lowrey and Pam, Brent Lowrey and wife Amy, Chris Eckenrode and wife Misty, Jason Eckenrode, Kristen Blancett and husband Vinnie, Kera Silver and husband Larren, Alyssa VanVleet and husband Dale, Monika Bruton and husband Ben, Jimmy Hassel, Bryan Holt and wife Toni, Natisha Holt, Joe Gonzalez and wife Renee, Eric Gonzalez and wife Desiree and Nickolas Jackson; 32 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren and one on the way; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Active pallbearers are Keith Lowrey, Brent Lowrey, Chris Eckenrode, Jason Eckenrode, Jimmy Hassel, Bryan Holt, Joe Gonzalez, Eric Gonzalez, Nickolas Jackson and Joe Gonzalez III. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.