Rudolf John Henry “Rudy” Jech, 86 of Elkton, died Monday, Oct. 11, 2010, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester.

Rudy was born Jan. 14, 1924, to Richard and Elsie (Graese) Jech near Elkton, where he grew up and graduated from high school in 1942.

He farmed on the home farm until enlisting in the U.S. Army and served in 1946 and 1947. After his discharge, Rudy was a semi driver at Hormel and continued farming.

He married Dolores Kopet on Sept. 20, 1953, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. They made their home in Austin for two years before buying a farm north of Elkton. He retired from Hormel in 1972 and continued with farming for many years after that.

During this time he enjoyed growing and selling certified seed. Rudy was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Elkton where he was baptized and confirmed. He was the St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery caretaker for many years. He enjoyed fishing, traveling and loved his family and was loved much in return. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends here, as well as many friends in Australia.

Rudy is survived by his wife: Dolores Jech, Elkton; three daughters: Debbie (Peter) Eadie, Maitland, Australia; Cindy (fiancé Peter Lau) Hughes, Newcastle, Australia; Patti (fiancé Tim Nordin) Lienau, Austin; four grandchildren: Nick and Sam Eadie, Lauren Hughes and Katlyn Lienau; and sister: Phyllis Johnson, Branson, Mo.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Norbert; two sisters: Waltraudt and Elfrieda.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, rural Elkton with Pastor Liz Erickson officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday at Worlein Funeral Home, Austin and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment is at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, rural Elkton, with flag presentation by American Legion Post 91. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com