Rudolph “Rudy” Julius Barabas passed away November 29, 2019 at the age of 97. He was born October 2, 1922, in Berlin, Germany, to Julius and Sophie (Helmig) Barabas. The family immigrated to the US when Rudy was 3 years old. Rudy and his wife, Gloria, met when they were 8 on an ocean liner to Germany where their mothers became friends and stayed in touch over the years. In 1943 they were married and one week later, he left to serve in World War II as a member of the United States Army Air Corp in the 373rd Fighter Group. They began their married life in LaGrange Park, IL. While working for Deluxe Check Printers, Rudy accepted two transfers: one to Dearborn, MI and the second to the St. Louis area where they remained for over 50 years. Rudy retired at the age of 58 as St. Louis Plant Manager at Deluxe after 30 years with the company. Most recently he was a resident of St. Peters, MO, and a member of Hope Lutheran Church for the last 24 years. Six months ago, he and his wife relocated to Forney, TX, to be closer to their son and daughter-in-law. Having many interests and talents, he enjoyed fishing, photography, gardening, sailing and woodworking. Together they enjoyed many plays and concerts. Though they enjoyed traveling extensively, his one true love was Hayward, WI and spending summers at the cabin his father built and enjoying the wonderful lake with family and friends. He dearly loved his family and he will be deeply missed by those who knew him.
Rudy is survived by his loving wife of 76 years: Gloria Barabas of Forney, TX; son: Greg Barabas and wife Joyce of Forney, TX; daughter: Deanna Durham and Lorenzo Elzie of Cedarburg, WI; grandchildren: Durenda Durham and husband Burt of Independence, MO, and Amberlee Wolgamott of Blue Springs, MO; and great grandchildren: Damion Wolgamott of Blue Springs, MO, Brianna Durham of Independence, MO, and Aidan Durham of Independence, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 4:00pm on Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at Reflections at Rest Haven Funeral Home – Rockwall Location. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service beginning at 3:00pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Rudy’s honor may be made to the Northwoods Humane Societies, P.O. Box 82, Hayward, WI, 54843.
