Harry Rudisell

Harry Dewey Rudisell, age 92, passed away on Dec. 21, 2011, at the Burnett Medical Center in Grantsburg, WI. Harry was born on September 11, 1919, at Sunrise, MN, to Edna and Robert Rudisill. When he was nine years old, his family moved to Siren after purchasing ten acres of land one mile south of town. On October 5, 1940, Harry married Edna Nyberg at the parsonage of the Rev. and Mrs. Everson in Atlas, WI. To this union two daughters, Kathy and Jean, were born. Edna and Harry first lived on the tract of land that Harry owned in Siren. In 1944, the family moved to the Mauritz Daniels farm. A year later the family moved to the Ole Helland farm. Besides farming, Harry hauled milk for forty-five farmers. He also bought and sold cattle and machinery. After moving and living on that farm for a year, they moved back to their first home south of Siren. Following the war, Harry was employed seasonally in the construction industry operating bulldozers, rock crushers, drag lines and back hoes for twenty years. He helped build the Siren airport. He was a proud member of Local 49 Operating Engineers. In later years, Harry plowed snow for many customers. In 1947, Harry built six small rental properties and remodeled another building into apartments. Many of the renters became almost “family” to Harry, Edna and the girls. Some of the men living in the rental houses enjoyed working alongside Harry in his workshop. Welding and woodworking were two of his specialties. He invented and modified tools and equipment which made his work easier to perform. Harry was very involved in remodeling the Siren Methodist Church. Two of his undertakings were repairing the steeple and building the base for the altar. Townspeople would often stop by his workshop when they needed assistance in repairing their vehicles and various other items. During his spare time, he built furniture for Kathy, Jean and relatives. He built large playhouses for his grandchildren.In later years he hauled firewood to Minneapolis and brought back used furniture to sell to many area residents. While the family was growing up, they had many good times together. In the summer, most week ends were spent partaking in water activities on nearby Clear Lake. In the winter, Harry would pull Kathy and Jean on skis behind his tractor. Harry was never a minimalist when it came to camping. He enjoyed the comforts of home in the great outdoors. Often two vehicles were necessary to transport the necessary equipment. Harry was very sociable and enjoyed the companionship of his neighbors in the campgrounds. The family also traveled by automobile to Yellowstone Park, Glacier National Park, The Black Hills and Arizona. In the late 1970’s, Harry and Edna traveled to Arizona, Texas and Florida during the winter months. Harry and Edna purchased a small house in Zephyrhills, Florida, in the early 1980’s. Harry spent many enjoyable winters renovating their winter home. Family and friends would often come to visit them. Harry was preceded in death by his wife, Edna; his sisters Dorothy Ward and Laverne Taylor. He is survived by his sisters, Rosie Fenne and Joan Shiell; children, Kathy (Jim) Helland, Webster; Jean (Paul) Elliott, Lino Lakes, MN; four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 11:00 AM (Visitation 10-11 AM)at the Siren Methodist Church with Pastor Cook officiating. Internment will follow at the Lakeview Cemetery, Siren, Pallbearers will be John Elliiott, Mark Mossman, Mitchell Mossman, Kirk Staggert, Mark Fenne, Mike Fenne and Mitchell Fenne. Music was provided by Rich and Kathy Hutchison. Lunch will be served by the United Methodist Women. Memorials can be sent to the Siren United Methodist Church building fund which was one of Harry's passions.