Rudolph G. Jehlicka

Rudolph G. Jehlicka, 89 of Highlands Ranch, passed away peacefully at Denver Hospice on July 13, 2014. ""Rudy"" was born on October 15, 1924 in Lankin, ND to Louis and Pauline Jehlicka. The family moved to Fordville, ND when he was 4 years old and he received his education in the Fordville public schools. He was 18 when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on October 24, 1943. After training at Camp Perry, VA, he was assigned to New Orleans Naval Station. He was married to Hermina Dub while in New Orleans in 1944. He took part in the invasion of Normandy after which he stayed living in New Orleans until he was discharged as ship's Cook 1C. After his discharge from the Navy, they went back to Fordville, ND, where he worked in the family meat business. After several years, he and his family moved to Thief River Falls, MN where they bought a meat market. After two years and the loss of their son, Rudolph, Jr. (Sonny), they decided to move to San Diego, CA, where their daughter, Paula, lived. While in San Diego he worked in Vons meat department for 35 years, retired in 1985 and moved to Denver, CO in 2003 to be closer to family. Rudy was a lifetime member of the Fordville Fire Department and a 68 year member of the American Legion, mostly at Thief River Falls Post #117. He was also a member of the local Union of Meat Cutters. He is survived by his wife, Hermina; daughters Paula (Barry) Wilderman of Highlands Ranch, CO and Patricia (Roger) Hoyt of Stillwater, MN; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren; sister Edith Dub of Fordville and brother Paul Jehlicka of Grand Forks, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents; son Rudolph, Jr. (Sonny), daughter Diane Jehlicka Johnson; brothers Gabriel, Louis, Roman and William. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, August 1, 2014 at St. Mark Catholic Church, 9905 S. Foothills Canyon Blvd., Highlands Ranch, CO 80129. Interment will be in St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN to be announced and held at a later date. Please share your memories of Rudolph and condolences with his family by signing the guestbook below.