Rudy & Gerri Smole

With greatest love and adoration, we celebrate the life of Rudolph “Rudy” Smole and Geraldine “Gerri” Smole (Knocke).  Rudy was born on May 21st, 1927, and passed away on September 12th, 2022.  Gerri was born on September 21st, 1930, and passed away on November 7th, 2006.  Rudy and Gerri were born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, where they met at West Allis Central High School, and later married in 1951.  They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary shortly before Gerri passed away in 2006.

Rudy and Gerri were immensely proud and blessed with 4 children; Jacquelynn “Jacque” (Bob) Tinsley, Bart (Mary Therese) Smole, Daniel “Danny” Smole, and Karen Smole.  Mournfully, Rudy and Gerri were proceeded in death by Danny and Karen.  It is said that there can be no greater loss than that of a child.  We can now rejoice in knowing that Rudy and Gerri have been reunited with their children.

In 1958, Rudy and Gerri moved their family to Sidney, OH, where they both began working at LeROI.  They lived in Sidney for many decades, creating endless memories with their family, friends, church, schools, clubs, and community.

In later years, Rudy and Gerri were blessed with 5 grandchildren; Brian Smole, Kevin (Barbi) Smole, Elizabeth Smole, Dana (Terry) Davis, and Katie (Jaron) Ballou.  They were also blessed with 8 great-grandchildren; Kiersten Todd, Samantha Smole, Trace Davis, Sean Smole, Sydney Smole, Vincent Rudy Sandridge, Daniel Ballou, and Mason Ballou.  Rudy and Gerri loved their grandchildren unconditionally.

Rudy and Gerri retired from LeROI and moved to Melbourne, FL, a place they had loved to visit during the winter months of Ohio.  Their retirement was full of love and reflection of a profound life together.  When Gerri passed away, Rudy moved to Olney, MD to be close to his son, Bart and his daughter-in-law Mary Therese, and their family.  Rudy’s final years were strong and beautiful, all the while missing the love of his life.

It was Rudy and Gerri’s wishes to be cremated and their ashes buried together, alongside their children.  The interment of their ashes will take place at 11:00 am on June 18th, 2023 at Glen Cemetery in Port Jefferson, OH.  All friends and family are welcome.

“Farewell to thee, but not farewell to my fondest thoughts of thee.  Within my heart they still shall dwell; and they shall cheer and comfort me.” ~ Anne Bronte

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