Norbert Henry Rudroff

Norbert H. Rudroff, Rich Fountain, Missouri, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 21st, 2020.

 He was a devoted son, husband, father and grandfather and he will live in our hearts forever, and now rests in peace with his Lord and Savior.

Norb was born on April 30, 1934, in Rich Fountain, Missouri, to the late Martin and Margaret (Grellner) Rudroff.  His mother passed away when Norb was five years of age.  He was the youngest of six children and spent his youth on the Rudroff farm nearby until his graduation from high school.  On May 3rd, 1958, he was united in marriage to Carol Atkisson, of Jefferson City, at the Immaculate Conception Church.

He attended schools at Rich Fountain, Missouri, Westphalia, and the University of Missouri, Columbia.  He graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering.  He was a Registered Professional Engineer with the Missouri Board of Architects, Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

He worked for the Missouri State Highway Dept., Bridge Design Office, in Jefferson City, Missouri for five years.  Moving to Florissant, Missouri in 1962, he worked for McDonnell Douglas Corporation, St. Louis, Missouri, as a Design Engineer, Engineering Supervisor, and Engineering Manager.  He worked on F-4, DC-10, F-15, F-18 and AV-8B aircraft programs.  In 1974, he was assigned to Advanced Engineering on a new contract proposal to the U.S. Navy for an Advanced Naval Air Combat Fighter (NACF).  McDonnell Douglas subsequently won the NACF contract to design, develop, test, and deliver the F/A-18 strike fighter aircraft.  He worked on this program until his retirement in May 1993.  After retiring, he moved back to central Missouri.

Norb was a 3rd and 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.  As a member of the K of C, Duchesne Council #2951 in Florissant, Missouri, he spent many hours working at charitable functions.  After retiring and moving to Rich Fountain, he continued his volunteer work with the Knights of Columbus.  As a member of the Sacred Heart Church, he was on the parish council, and when asked, happily assisted for a short time, as a substitute teacher at Sacred Heart School.  Always a willing worker whether it be for the summer church picnics or fall festivals.

Norb is survived by his wife, Carol, the love of his life for sixty-two wonderful years, three children and five grandchildren:  A daughter, Dayna Pierce (husband, Larry) Columbia, Missouri, one son, James (wife, Beth) Arlington, Virginia, and daughter Christy Belk (husband Dr. Craig) Biloxi, Mississippi, and grandchildren, Kelly and Stephanie Pierce, Austin, Texas, Blake Rudroff, Arlington, Virginia, and Sarah and Grace Belk, Biloxi, Mississippi. 

Even though, living a distance away, Norb’s children and grandchildren maintained close communication with him making his “Dad” and “Grandpa” years so very special!  His strong faith in God, and ever optimistic attitude never faltered.  He is sadly missed by family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Martin, Francis, Lawrence, and Linus Rudroff, and one sister, Anna Castrop.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private Funeral Mass will be held. A celebration of Norb’s life will be held at a later date after the restrictions have been lifted.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic School or a charity of the donors choice.