Francis “Rudy” Maierhofer, 95, of Seneca, passed away Monday, August 19, 2024, at the home he lived in for 70 years, next door to the family farm he was born and raised on.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 25, from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Seneca. During the visitation, there will be indoor seating away from the heat. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, August 26, at 10:00 am at St Patrick’s Church, with Fr. G officiating. Burial with military honors will take place in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
Rudy was born August 17, 1929, in Morris, IL, to Mathias and Marie (Blaine) Maierhofer. He married Vivian Phillips on January 16, 1954, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Morris. Rudy enlisted in the Air Force and served during the Korean Conflict where he was stationed in France.
Rudy was a farmer his entire life; he started farming at a young age with his father and brothers. Throughout his years of farming, he grew corn and soybeans and also raised livestock. Rudy was fortunate enough to be able to farm well into his 90s and at the age of 94, was still able to drive the combine during harvest. Now in his later years, he’s had the privilege to farm with his youngest son, Paul. He was incredibly proud of the family farm, and the legacy it had. He would regularly decorate it with mannequins for the appropriate holidays and events bringing a smile or chuckle to those that drove by.
Rudy lived by the motto “The family that works together, plays together, and prays together, stays together.” He and Vivian set an example for their children, grandchildren, and their entire family. They taught them life skills such as hard work and dedication, having faith in God, and enjoying life in “God’s Country on the North Prairie” as Rudy would say.
Rudy was extremely outgoing and never met a stranger. He would always greet people with a smile, “hello”, and a firm handshake.
He is survived by his children, Robert (Sally) Maierhofer, Pat (Don) Knapp, Rick (Julie) Maierhofer, and Paul (Cindy) Maierhofer; his grandchildren, Matt (Amberley) Maierhofer, Molly (Nick) Kaminski, Michael (Liz) Maierhofer, Jacob (Tammy) Knapp, Chad (Kirsten) Knapp, Mari (Brandon) Seggebruch, Jena (Michael) Sheedy, Jill (Chad) Caputo, Janelle (Andrew) Chamberlain, Megan Maierhofer, and Mackenzie Maierhofer; 22 great-grandchildren and one on the way; his brother, Jim (Peggy) Maierhofer; his sister in law, Betty Phillips; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mathias and Marie; his beloved wife of 69 years, Vivian; and his brother, Robert “Bud” Maierhofer.
Pallbearers will be his grandchildren.
Memorials may be directed to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Operation St. Nick, Lightways Hospice and Palliative Care, or the Seneca Food Pantry.
The online guest book may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.ottawafuneralhome.com
Osborne-Nelson Funeral Home
135 E. Lincoln Street
Seneca, Illinois 61360
815-357-6172
www.ottawafuneralhome.com