Rudy Jaronek
Oct 24, 1918 - Sep 1, 2014
Posted by: Jo Aguirre

Vondel Smith Mortuary

Rudy Jaronek passed away on Monday, September 1st, 2014 at the age of 95 in Norman, Oklahoma. The youngest of six children, Rudy was born to Anton and Frances (Bobik) Jaronek on October 24th, 1918 in a house on Western Avenue when it was no more than a red dirt road. Rudy attended grade school at Sacred Heart, and in 1939, he received his high school diploma from Capitol Hill High School. In 1941, Rudy Jaronek heeded the government’s call of need and entered World War II. While serving in the Army overseas, he witnessed many hard fought battles; among them was the Battle of the Bulge. Rudy was honorably discharged in 1946. Upon returning home, Rudy attended a dance in Dallas, Texas, where he met his own Texas Rose. He struck up a long distance relationship with the beautiful Miss Josephine Gelnar. Rudy married his Sweetie on April 29, 1950; this past April, they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. After the war, Rudy began working for OG&E as a part of a line crew; he then went into purchasing where he worked until he retired in February of 1981. He was successfully retired for 33 years, which was just as long as the time he worked for OG&E. Rudy and Jo lived in south Oklahoma City, OK until they moved to acreage in 1971. Here, they continued to build their life together. Rudy thoroughly enjoyed gardening; in his greenhouse he was accomplished at starting cuttings of delicate geraniums. Rudy also raised pecans, cattle, and prized cantaloupes. He was also very proud of his immaculate fish pond that was housed in his back yard Rudy was always very active. He was a member of the school sports association, for which he could often be found running the concession stands; a member of the ‘89ers Hall of Fame; and Rudy was a proud member of the Trail Blazers Club. Rudy attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church where he served as an usher for many years, and later, was a member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Norman, Oklahoma until his death. No doubt a remnant of his childhood, Rudy could play the accordion, something that children and grandchildren fondly remember. Rudy continued to take Jo to dances at October Fest and the Senior Citizen Dances well into their golden years, one of his favorite dances was of course, the Polka. He was very giving of his time, humor, affection, as well as treasures and stories from his past. He instilled in his family a mentality that things should be done not only the correct way, but to the best of their abilities; he taught them how to succeed. He was a man who had much to be proud of; his family is a testimony to his life, a life well lived.

Rudy was preceded in death by his:
Parents, Anton and Francis (Bobik) Jaronek;
Sisters: Anna Michalik, Antonia Brown, and Sophia Vanlandingham;
Brother, Charles Jaronek.

Rudy Jaronek is survived by his loving:
Wife, Josephine Jaronek;
Three sons: Dan Jaronek and his wife, Charlene of Cordell, OK, Mickey Jaronek of Oklahoma City, OK, and Victor Jaronek and his wife, Cindy of Norman, OK;
One daughter, Margaret Jaronek of Moore, OK;
One sister: Frances Link;
5 Grandchildren;
1 Great-Grandchild to be born around Rudy’s own birthday in October.