Kenneth Rudolph

It is with extreme sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Kenneth (Ken) Austin Rudolph, on May 11, 2025, at Munson Hospital in Traverse City, Michigan, at the age of 78. Ken was born on July 22, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan to Warren and Mary Jane (Dickerson) Rudolph. He grew up in Harper Woods, attending Harper Woods High School (1964), where he was an award-winning member of the swim team. He enjoyed summers in Bellaire with his grandfather, Lyle Dickerson, playing Little League and developed lasting friendships with many of the “kids” in Bellaire.

Ken met the love of his life, Sandra (Sandy) Turrigiano, while attending Michigan State University. They were married in Bellaire, Michigan in 1970, and lived in East Lansing before moving to Bellaire in 1972. He was a court administrator & juvenile/probation officer for Antrim County Probate Court before obtaining his real estate license. He served on the Board of Directors for the “Big Brother, Big Sister” organization as well as being a “Big” to a young boy for many years. Ken was a volunteer fireman and active with the Bellaire Conservation Club. He loved fly fishing. Ken and Sandy enjoyed camping, boating, traveling around the country, and playing golf. Their adorable daughters, Jessica & Lindsey filled their lives with joy. They spent memory making summers at their cottage at Bellaire Pines. In 1986, they completed a renovation of a home on Lake Bellaire but were lured to the sunbelt. The next 35 years they enjoyed the sunshine & laid-back life in Bokeelia, FL on Pine Island, returning to Bellaire every summer. They became permanent residents again in 2021. Bellaire has always been “home sweet home”.

He is survived by: Sandy, his wife of 55 years; Daughters: Jessica (Justin) Stine of Asheville, NC and Lindsey (Keith) Roussil of Lyons, CO; precious grandchildren: Ella, Emily, & Margot; brother Burt (Sandy) Rudolph, Brother-in-law Dino (Rose Acaria) Lanno, and wonderful nieces & nephews. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Warren & Jane Rudolph and grandfather, Lyle Dickerson.

As per Ken’s wishes, there will not be a viewing or funeral service. A Celebration of Life is being planned for late July. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Grass River Natural Area in Bellaire, MI via their website grassriver.org

Arrangements are in the care of the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sing her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com