Obituary of Chester Jay Rudy
Chester “Chet” Jay Rudy (86) resident of Harrison, ID passed away on September 25, 2024 in Coeur d’ Alene, ID. He was born to Raymond and Leona Rudy on March 15, 1938 in Alva, OK. Chet grew up in Marshall, OK, graduating from Marshall Public School in 1956. Following graduation, Chet enlisted in the U.S. Airforce. He served 4 years in Illinois, Alaska, and California as an Inflight Fueling Mechanic and Electrical Repairman.
While in California, Chet met Ronda Nichols on a blind date, and the couple married August 1960 in Ontario. They bought a home in Upland, CA and Chet attended Carpentry school. After school, he went to work as a Carpenter and Framer building new homes. In 1966 the family moved to Northern California and Chet went to work for Hahn Construction where he built shopping malls. He later obtained his contractor’s license and became self-employed. He began building houses again, even several his own family lived in. Chet’s job was booming, and life was busy, looking for a slower pace, the couple bought a home in Harrison, ID and relocated in 1977.
Both Chet and Ronda quickly became involved in the small community. He built a few homes in Harrison, worked for the City of Harrison, and obtained his CDL to drive school bus for the Kootenai School District. Ronda obtained a CDL as well, and the couple headed out on the road to long haul truck drive. They retired together in 2000 after driving truck for over 10 years.
In his earlier days, Chet was a volunteer firefighter and EMT for the Harrison Community. He and Ronda were very active members in the Harrison Community Baptist Church, and Chet volunteered many hours to the church as the “maintenance guy” and on occasion he enjoyed flipping pancakes for the men’s breakfasts. Chet wasn’t just a carpenter, but a very talented wood worker. He and Ronda established Tanglewood crafts where they built thousands of rocking horses that were sold all around the United States. They also made toys, puzzles, planters, and birdhouses. Chet could customize and specialize just about anything.
Chet is survived by his children Lisa (Christopher) Green of Fairfield, CA; son Kevin Rudy of Rathdrum, ID; 9 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Ronda Rudy, and his sister LaDonna Hiatt.
Graveside services for Chet will be on Friday, October 4, 2024, at 2:00 pm at the Harrison City Cemetery. Military honors will be presented by American Legion Post #25 and Fairchild Honor Guard.
