Mark David Rudy, 66, of Poplar Grove, IL, passed away September 4, 2024. Born on January 14, 1958 in Belvidere, IL to David and Louise (Telschow) Rudy, Mark's childhood was spent in Huntley and then Freeport. Mark graduated from Freeport High School in 1976 and continued his education at Southern Illinois University where he graduated with a Bachelors of Science. On May 19, 1979, he married his sweetheart Eugenia 'Geni' (Braun) in Dixon, IL, beginning what would become 45 years of devoted marriage together.

In his professional roles as an engineer, Mark worked for various companies, including Bendix Corporation, Northrup Grumman, Motorola, and ATK. A constant through his career was his patient and methodical approach to problem-solving and analysis, as well as his esteem for and enjoyment of his coworkers and the work they performed together.

Two interconnected threads ran through Mark's life: his love of music and his faith. A dedicated and talented French horn player, Mark played with many community orchestras and bands, and particularly loved making music with family members. He ensured this was a joy that his children could continue with their own instruments, as his parents did with him. The churches he and Geni belonged to together over the years were places he loved to serve, both musically and in other ways. He was most recently a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Belvidere, IL.

Mark's openness and curiosity about the world and enjoyment of many hobbies made for a rich life for him and those he loved. He enjoyed bringing his hand-built telescope to astronomy viewing nights to share views of the Moon, planets, and far away celestial objects with the public. Mark's dedication to his family and loved ones was unwavering and constant.

Mark is survived by his wife, Eugenia, their children Gwendolen (Dave Morris), Carl (Kathryn) Rudy, grandchildren Evelyn and Julia, siblings Diane (James) Gladstone, John (Liz) Rudy, Dale (Melinda) Rudy, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was predeceased by his parents David and Louise Rudy.

A memorial service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Belvidere, IL with a time of gathering beginning at 9:30am on Saturday, September 21st and a service at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Mark may be made to support the Rockford Youth Symphony Orchestra (care of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra): https://www.rockfordsymphony.com/ , or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research: https://www.michaeljfox.org/ .