Rudolph E. Hartlaub, age 88, a resident of Manitowoc, and formerly of 1341 North 10th Street, entered eternal life on Friday, January 15, 2016 at St. Mary's at Felician Village.

Rudy was born on May 2, 1927 in Newton to the late Alex and Clara Rueden Hartlaub. He married Betty Schenian on May 20, 1950 at Holy Innocents Catholic Church in Manitowoc. She preceded him in death on March 10, 1976. On April 11, 1977, Rudy married Geraldine Piotrowski Miller at Holy Innocents Catholic Church. Rudy served in the United States Army from July 24, 1945 to September 25, 1951. He served in Germany with the 793rd Military Police Battalion. In 1953, Rudy joined the Manitowoc Fire Department from where he retired in 1985 as Battalion Chief. He took 13 trips to Europe and enjoyed travelling, polka music, automobiles, his dachshunds, and especially the time he spent with his family and friends. Rudy was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, VFW Otto Oas Post 659 (where he served as past commander), Disabled American Veterans, Knights of Columbus, and Retired Professional Firefighters.

Survivors include Rudy's wife 38 years: Geri; five children: Cynthia (Doug Young) Hartlaub, Florida; Keith (Julie) Hartlaub, Newton; Kevin (Charlene) Hartlaub, Manitowoc; Judy (Mitch) Ablah, Oklahoma City, OK; and Patrick (Sandi) Hartlaub, Manitowoc; three step-sons: Michael Miller, Manitowoc; Randall (Jona) Miller, Manitowoc; and Thomas (Wendy) Miller, Grafton; 12 grandchildren: Alex (Jillian) Hartlaub, Jesse Hartlaub, Alexandra Ablah, Rudy Hartlaub, Anna Hartlaub, Elsa Hartlaub, Joshua (Jessica) Miller, Stephani Miller, Katrina Miller, Gabrielle Miller, Tony Miller, and Tyler Miller; great grandson: James Randall Miller; two sisters-in-law: LaVerne Leitermann and LaVerne Hartlaub, both of Manitowoc; also nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Rudy was preceded in death by his parents: Alex and Clara Hartlaub; first wife: Betty; five brothers: Alphonse, Isadore, Henry, Clem, and Victor Hartlaub; sister: Mathilda Schroeder; also an infant sister and brother.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 22, 2106 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo – 1121 North 14th Street, Manitowoc. The Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated by Rev. Dave Pleier and Rev. Gerald Foley with entombment to follow at Knollwood Mausoleum. Military rites will be accorded by VFW Otto Oas Post 659. Following the military rites, a luncheon will be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. The family will greet relatives and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Thursday, January 21, 2016 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Deacon Kenneth Nelesen will lead a prayer service to conclude the visitation at 7 p.m. The visitation will continue on Friday, January 22, 2016 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be sent the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any memorials in Rudy's name to be sent to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Manitowoc, Roncalli High School, or St. Mary's at Felician Village Dementia Unit.

Rudy's family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Dr. Alfredo Diaz and all the staff of St. Mary's at Felician Village for the care and compassion they provided.