Rudolf Josef Mengele, 84, a resident of Allenton since 1985 and previously from Ray Township, passed away on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at his home. Rudy was born in Munich, Germany on March 23, 1937 and came to the United States when he was 16. Upon arrival in Michigan, Rudy worked for Herman Rapp at Rapp’s Orchards in Washington Township. He then worked and became manager at Holtzapple Poultry Farm in Ray Township till 1985. Rudy married the former Sandy Visnick on October 15, 1966 at the Romeo United Methodist Church. After Holtzapple Poultry Farm disbanded, Rudy and Sandy moved to their farm in Allenton where they raised Polled Hereford cattle. They raised, sold and showed their cattle all over Michigan. When not farming, Rudy was a member of the Berville Lions, belonged to the Berville Coffee Muggers, was a former president of the Armada Fair and for many years on the 4-H cattle auction committee. He loved to drive around, looking at neighbors’ farms, checking out their crops and going to Papa’s Restaurant in Armada.
Rudy is survived by his wife, Sandy; and children, Katrina (Ed) Zawadzky of Allenton and Rudy Jr. of Warren. Also survived by four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; along with siblings, Bill Mengele of New York, Elizabeth Mayerbacher of Germany, Helga McCann of Royal Oak and Pat Engel of Arizona.
Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at 10 a.m. at St John Catholic Church, Allenton, MI with burial to follow at the West Berlin Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements made by Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home, 11280 32 Mile Rd., Romeo, MI 48065
Donations to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital would be appreciated.
Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home
Office: 586-752-2000
Fax: 586-752-6278
