John Ervin Rudkin

John Ervin Rudkin 

March 24, 1953 – October 9, 2025

John Rudkin, 72, was called home by the Lord on Thursday, October 9th, surrounded by his loving family. John was born in Highland Park, Michigan on March 24, 1953, to Vernon and Mary Jane Rudkin and raised in Royal Oak, Michigan. At the age of 17, John quit high school and joined the United States Marine Corps. Although he disliked authority, he served nine years and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. During his years in the service, he was stationed in Cherry Point, Okinawa, Camp Pendleton, Yuma, Japan, and Camp Lejeune. While stationed in Okinawa, he met his wife. After his discharge from the Marine Corps, he worked for five years at the VA Hospital; then he started his career as a mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service until his retirement in 2008.

He is preceded in death by his grandson, Christopher John Garcia; his parents, Vernon and Mary Jane Rudkin; his brother, James Rudkin; sister-in-law, Kathy Rudkin; brother-in-law, Danny Davis; and parents-in-law, Epimenio and Ernestina Cruz. John is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carmen; his children, Deborah (Chris) Garcia and Richard Rudkin; grandchildren, Steven Ramirez, John Garcia, and Alanna Garcia; siblings, Dave Rudkin, Karen Davis, and Nancy Leopard; and sister-in-law, Casey Rudkin. He also leaves behind a loving extended family and friends.

John was a handyman but enjoyed carpentry the most; he spent many hours in the workshop he built for his countless tools and machines. He built cabinets for the home, relatives, and friends. He remodeled a few bathrooms as well as a couple of kitchens. John loved to fish; he especially enjoyed taking the kids camping and fishing when they were younger, then he started taking the grandkids. All in all, there weren’t that many fish caught. John’s excuse would be that the so-called rivers here are creeks in comparison to the rivers in Michigan. He was an avid Lions football fan, even when they were one of the worst in the league. John loved his grandchildren, and he spoiled them, even when they became young adults. Although a man of few words and not very social, John could spend quite some time talking with neighbors when he went to the mailbox.

The family would like to thank family and friends for their countless prayers and kind words. They would also like to extend their thanks to Luna Vista Hospice and the techs at Aldea House for John’s care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Dementia Society of America or Alzheimer’s Association.