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Rudolph "Rudy" William Lipka

Apr 23, 1938 - Dec 14, 2024

Service

Saturday, February 8, 2025
1:00 pm
Evergreen Community Hall
Evergreen District

Notice

In lieu of flowers donations in Rudy’s name can be made to The Good Samaritan Society Clearwater Center or the Eckville Manor House- The Bethany Group.

Obituary

Rudolph (Rudy) passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 86 on the morning of December 14, following a brief struggle with an injury after a fall. He was a kind, honest and generous sole and will be deeply missed by family, countless cousins, neighbors and friends.
Rudy was born to William (Bill) and Mary Lipka on April 23, 1938, at Eckville. He spent the first 8 years of his childhood in the New Hill district on the farm that Bill and Mary resided on. Rudy started grade school here and recounted walking to school on snow as high as the telephone poles!
In 1946 an opportunity came to buy land in the Evergreen community. Bill purchased a quarter close to the original Lipka homestead where they settled in. Here Rudy attended the Gaetz school and worked hard at home helping with chores. At a young age it was apparent that Rudy enjoyed farming and playing softball at recess more than doing schoolwork. He was later bused to the newly built Condor School where he attended until grade 9 at which time he made farming a priority over continuing his education. His years in school did pay off though. Rudy was very good at math and his bookkeeping was an accountant’s dream.
Rudy worked with his father and uncle clearing land in the summer months, farming and custom threshing. Winter months were spent running the family sawmill. During his early years he learned from his dad and uncles how to be a carpenter, blacksmith, plumber, electrician and a mechanic, a real jack of all trades.
Some years later Rudy met the love of his life, neighbor Elaine Feitl. They courted for some time until they wed on June 5, 1965. Together they farmed and raised three sons, moving into a bigger home with each new baby. After the families third and final addition Bill and Mary moved into the “retirement property” on the next quarter south. The family of five then took over the main farmhouse. During their time at home each one of the boys actively helped Rudy. They farmed cow/calf, pigs, chickens and put up hay and grain. Elaine cooked delicious meals, maintained the yard, grew an abundance of food in the garden and canned many fruits.
In 2002 their second oldest son married. He and his wife stepped up to carry on the farm legacy. It was time for Rudolph and Elaine to move into the retirement property. For the next 10 plus years Rudy continued helping out on the farm. Even in his older years the boys believed he was still one of the toughest around! Eventually Rudy’s farming duties were lessened to mowing 4 acres of lawn and tilling the garden, which he and Elaine kept in impressive condition.
In the fall of 2018, the couple moved into Eckville Manor. Rudy enjoyed good food, chatting with the residents and staff and taking afternoon naps. They also made weekly commutes out of town to check up on the farm and visit cousins, family and most important grandkids. Unfortunately, Elaine’s health took a turn for the worse in her struggle with Alzheimer's. Caring for her also took its toll on Rudy. In 2022 the couple moved to the Good Samaritans where they could be under better care. Up until his last days Rudolph was content, in good spirits and always enjoyed a good visit.
Rudolph was a well-liked member of the community. He was a member of the Evergreen Hall board and was part of the planning and construction of the new hall that is there today. Rudy and Elaine made many friends wherever they went. They enjoyed socializing with cousins and neighbors. They continued going to dances, and various events in the surrounding communities. They also enjoyed 40 plus years of square dancing as members of the Spruceview Swinging 8s, where they networked with folks from all over Alberta and even Saskatchewan.
Rudolph took a lot of pride and joy in his vehicles and tractors. His first vehicle was a Model T that was converted to a truck. One of his favorite tractors was the (pop-pop) 730 John Deere and the 44 Massey with a Farm-Hand attachment. Rudy also cherished his last town car, a 1985 5th Avenue Chrysler. Most of the equipment still runs today and 5th Avenue now resides in Victoria. Rudy sold it to his younger cousin Jimmy.
Rudy was also very proud of his pigs and cattle. Many of them had names. No one knew how to handle pigs like Rudy. He was very patient and caring and his pigs were very calm because of this. The cattle were treated no differently. At Christmas time they would receive extra bedding and special second cut hay. The farm always had a good cattle dog too and everyone that ever lived there was also spoiled.
Rudolph is survived by his wife of 59 years, Elaine Lipka (Feitl); son’s and their families: Allan (Susan) Lipka, Ray Hemstreet, Ben, Tim and Ed Saville; Kerry (Jolene) Lipka, Bobbi-Jo, Karli; Kelly (Aly) Lipka, Sydney, Jackson, Abby; sister in-law, Donna (Ed) Sebek; nephew, Aron (Crystal) Sebek and family; niece, Lana Judson and family; numerous cousins from the Szymanek and Lipka families.
Rudolph is pre-deceased by William and Mary Lipka; Frank and Louise Feitl; daughter in-law Samantha Lipka (Liivam); various uncles, aunts and some cousins from the Lipka and Szymanek families.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Eckville Manor and Good Sam’s for your kindness and support over the last few years. Also, we would like to thank the doctors and staff at the Rocky Mountain House hospital for easing dad’s pain before his passing. ~ Sincerely the Lipka family.
In lieu of flowers donations in Rudy’s name can be made to The Good Samaritan Society Clearwater Center or the Eckville Manor House- The Bethany Group.
A memorial service will be held at the Evergreen Community Hall, Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 1 pm.
Condolences may be forwarded to www.rockyfuneralhome.ca.
Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.

Condolences

Elaine Dixon (Benecke) & Brenda Benecke:

We are very saddened to hear of our cousin Rudolph's passing. During our early growing up years on the farm, it was to Rudolph's mom and dad's farm about a mile away where we would walk to after school if our Benecke parents weren't back from a Red Deer trip. Uncle Bill and Aunt Mary were like godparents to us and Rudolph was always pleasant and quiet. He was a wonderful and kind cousin. Our deep condolences to the family. Elaine Dixon (Benecke) & Brenda Benecke

Rudy and Sharon Szymanek:

Our most heartfelt condolences to your Mom and your family. We are so sorry that we will not be able to attend Rudolph's memorial and celebration of life as his soft spoken manner and strong conviction to Elaine, his family and way of life is worthy of recognition. His respect and caring for other people is sadly missing in many in todays world. Although our visits over the years were usually only for a day or two, and mainly on special occasions, he made us feel like we had just seen him the week before. His was a life well lived.

Gary & Ada Linneberg:

Sorry to hear of your loss, we visited with your folks may times over the years,, in our Auction Mart days. OPur thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Wayne and Deb McNaughton, Sylvan Lake:

We are very sorry to read of your Dad's passing Cooter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Susan and the boys, your Mom, and also Donna and Ed and all your extended family. May his legacy live on through the interests he shared and knowledge he has passed along through the years!

Ellery And Pat Brandson:

sorry for your loss he was A good MAN

Ellery And Pat Brandson:

he will be mist by all

Carol and Ron Skocdopole :

Condolences to all the family. May memories of all the good times you had with your Dad, help to ease the sorrow.

Joyce Zirk:

My condolences to Allan and all your families in the passing of your Dad.

Laurie Wacher:

Deepest Sympathy to Family. Many memories to cherish in the Lipka Families. Laurie, Sharlene & Marvin & families

Ken Josie Frid:

So sorry for the family’s loss he was a special person

Arlene Simoneau:

I am very sorry for your families loss...your dad always had a smile and I enjoyed visiting your mom and dad

Gerri and Val Baier:

Our sincerest condolences. Rudy was such a lovely gentle man.

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