Maurice "Rudy" Tewes

Maurice “Rudy” P. Tewes, age 77, of Merrill, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024 at the Mount View - North Central Health Care in Schofield while under the care of St. Croix Hospice. Rudy was born on July 31, 1947 to the late Rudolph and Sarah (Allorie) Tewes in Merrill. He attended and graduated from Merrill High School. Rudy went on to bravely serve his country in the United States Marine Corp during the Vietnam War as a helicopter mechanic. He married Alice Krause on November 29, 1988. Sadly, she passed away on April 19, 2014.

Rudy worked in construction and fabrication for many years, a job that he truly loved. He also worked for Consolidated Building Service in Wausau and Agra in Merrill. Rudy was truly a “jack of all trades” – he could always be found out in his garage tinkering, fixing or welding something. Rudy enjoyed learning and would take apart and rebuild just about anything he found. He had looked forward to the annual steam engine show in Edgar. He enjoyed family vacations and the many trips he and his wife Alice had made to the Bayfield Apple Festival over the years. Rudy had a lifetime interest in almost all things aviation, from building and flying model aircraft, to pursuing a private pilot’s license when he was younger, as well as having been a member of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association). Rudy had a love for motorcycles and could often be found riding around town or giving his grandchildren rides in the yard. His fondness for Harleys, Hondas and V.W. Bugs were well known. He was a very patient, good natured and generous man. He was often the first person friends and family would ask for help if something was not working or broken. His easy-going nature and curiosity with all things mechanical were well known and respected among those that knew him. Rudy enjoyed tuning in his radio and listening to his favorite polkas on the weekends. Rudy was a member at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill. He will be sadly missed but has left many good memories behind.

Rudy is survived by: his daughters: Michele (Tim) Seiwert and Rhonda (Todd) Knoblock; his son: James Tewes, all of Merrill; his grandchildren: Steven (Jane), Dakota, Dustin, Ashley, Jake (Chelsi), Danyssa, Alyssa, Dallas (Jessica), Eli (Lindsay) and Kyle (Jasmine); his 12 great grandchildren; his nephews: Michael Tewes and George (Connie) Knospe; his nieces: Linda, Sharon, Mary, Rita, Barbara Tewes and Teresa (Peter) Daleske; and his sisters-in-law: Lois Wold and Judy Schmidt. He was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife: Alice; his son: Henry Puphal; one granddaughter; his brothers: Victor Tewes and Rudolph Jr. Tewes; his sister: Vivian Knospe; his brothers-in-law: Donald Wold, Albert Krause, Roger Krause, Jerry Schmidt, and Bill Knospe; and his sisters-in-laws: Rosemary Tewes, Doris Tewes, Carol Krause, and Joan Krause.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Rudy will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill. Father Maria Vallabhaneni will officiate. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Taylor-Stine Funeral Home in Merrill. Burial will take place at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery immediately following Mass. The Merrill V.F.W. Post 1638 will conduct military honors at the cemetery.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please plant a tree in memory of Rudy. They would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful and caring staff at Mount View – North Central Health Care in Schofield, and to the St. Croix Hospice Services.

Taylor-Stine Funeral and Cremation of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstine.com.