Rudolph "Rudy" Meggs Gaedke, Ph.D., died on Feb. 3, 2023, in Faith Presbyterian Hospice in Dallas. He was 85.
Rudy was born to Mary and Rudolph F. Ludwig Gaedke in Dallas in 1938 and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. Rudy was an only child but was close with his cousins Wilkes Berry and George and Will Ann Luttrell. Attending Pascal High School in Fort Worth, he became a general dynamics National Merit Scholar and was awarded a full scholarship to Rice University.
Rudy married Carolyn Easley in Houston in 1960, and they spent their newlywed years in Columbia, South Carolina, and at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where Rudy finished his doctorate as a National Defense Graduate Fellow through the University of South Carolina.
In 1965, Rudy began as a physics professor at Trinity University in San Antonio, where Carolyn and Rudy fell in love with the gentle neighborhoods and wonderful people of the Alamo City.
While at Trinity, Rudy served various roles, including chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness, dean of Academic Affairs, and dean of Admissions. He retired as a professor in 2000. Additionally, he served as a research physicist in superconducting magnet technology at Texas A&M University and as a chief reader for the College Board AP physics exams.
While at Trinity, Rudy made long-lasting friendships with many colleagues. He treasured his opportunities to grow the institution, the physics program, and his students' perspectives. He was well-loved and respected, leaving behind a legacy of support and guidance. His legacy continued at Trinity with his daughter Susan, son Paul, daughter-in-law Gina, and grandson Griffin all graduating from Trinity.
A man of great faith and an avid reader, Rudy was a fascinating conversationalist and a constant source of wisdom and insight to all that knew him. A long-time member of Sunset Ridge Church of Christ, Rudy served as a deacon, elder, and teacher and later as a deacon at San Pedro Presbyterian Church, where his son is a minister. Rudy served on the board for San Pedro Playhouse and for the Towers at Park Lane, where Rudy and Carolyn celebrated life with many friends. In their last years, they were lovingly cared for by their daughter Susan and the dear caregivers who became beloved companions for Rudy.
Preceded in death by his wife Carolyn (2021), Rudy is survived by his three children: Paul Rudolph Gaedke '90, Susan Gaedke McGill '88, Karen Parrish; and four grandchildren: Griffin Paul Gaedke '20, Carley Nicole Gaedke, James Jacob Parrish, and Chloe Susanne Parrish.
A memorial service to honor Rudy will be held on July 22, 2023, at San Pedro Presbyterian Church, 14900 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, Texas, 78232. Condolences and cards can be sent to San Pedro Presbyterian Church, care of Rev. Paul Gaedke.
You might be interested in
