Former area resident Rudy A. Wolshlagel died Dec. 11, 2013, in Bellingham, Wash.

He was born May 10, 1922, in Kanaskat, Wash., to Therese and Jacob Wolshlagel. After graduating from Enumclaw High School, he joined the U.S. Navy. He received his diesel training at Iowa State College and then served on a minesweeper in the South Pacific and in North Africa. He also was in charge of the motor pool while stationed in England. When honorably discharged, he returned home to marry Doreen Rice in June of 1948. He then was offered a job with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and began his career in Auburn. Daughter Karen was born in 1951 and the family soon moved to the state hatchery in Kendall where he managed the hatchery until retirement.

He loved that he had been retired longer than he worked. He and his wife began traveling to Sun City, Ariz., to spend their winters and spent 27 years going back and forth from Washington to Arizona. He enjoyed golfing every week with his friends and he loved to volunteer. He was a charter volunteer for the Seattle Mariners spring training where he volunteered for over 20 years. He also loved to volunteer for the Hole In One contest for the Fiesta Bowl, the NASCAR races and in the rock museum in Sun City. He was active and loved to go hiking or on a rock hound expedition.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Karen and wife Doreen. He is survived by two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will take place at noon Friday, Dec. 27, at Greenacres Memorial Park in Ferndale, Wash.

Arrangements are by Whatcom Cremation and Funeral.