Rudy Mendez

Rudolfo "Rudy" Mendez, Sr. departed this life on Thursday, October 17, 2024. He was at his home in O'Fallon, Mo., with his beloved wife and youngest son nearby. 

Rudy's life was characterized by self-sacrifice offered with cheerful willingness. Family life started early for Rudy and his bride, Cynthia "Cindy." They married as teens – one from the Hungarian neighborhood of East L.A., and one from the Mexican neighborhood nearby. One fateful ride in a 1953 Chevy started a lifelong romance and a family that expanded to four children and seven grandchildren. Rudy worked for General Motors for decades, eventually relocating from Orange County, Calif., to St. Charles County, Mo., when the California plants closed in the late 1980s. He provided through lean and full times, even when his work required them to move back and forth from California. Rudy was happiest taking care of his Cindy and enjoying the outdoors when Missouri weather would permit it. Into their 70s, they enjoyed bike riding and playing tennis. To his family, Rudy provided a steady example of capable leadership. 

He was the quintessential head of a household. Without him, everything feels out of order. His legacy of hard work, honesty, steadfastness, humility and love lives on. Hands folded in ceaseless prayer, nothing disturbed his peace. His Catholic faith was apparent in his every action. With God's endless mercy, Rudy was able to receive a conditional Extreme Unction the week before he passed. 

Rudy was born January 27, 1946, and was raised by the grandmother who precedes in him in death, Maximina Mendez. 

He is survived by his wife, Cindy, of the family home; four children, Dorothy of Trabuco Canyon, Calif., Rudy, Jr. (Brandy) of Crescent City, Calif., Ron (Amanda) of Willow Springs, Mo., and Shane (Martha) of St. Charles, Mo.; and seven grandchildren, Sebastiana, Dylan, Bonaventure, Mateo, Leonard, Joseph and Geraldine. 

A requiem Mass will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, October 25, at St. Paul's Catholic Church at 1223 Church Rd., St Paul, Mo. 63366, with burial in the adjacent church yard to follow. Arrangements are under the direction of the Newcomer Funeral Home, St. Peters Chapel.