Rudy Kirschenman was born to Theobold (T.H.) Kirschenman and Alma (Nee Oswald) on March 10, 1912 in Yankton County.  The family eventually settled on a farm one-half mile east of Menno.  Rudy attended Menno Elementary School and was confirmed on June 27, 1926 at Salem Reformed Church by Pastor Johannnes Bodenman.  He was joined in marriage to Norma Heiser on August 20, 1937 in Sioux Falls at the courthouse by Judge Medin.  The couple farmed north of Menno for a few years after which Rudy worked with his father in an employment business.  In 1941, the couple moved to California where Rudy secured a job with a Geophysical Drilling and Research Crew which was primarily the first step in location of new oil fields, badly needed at this time since WWII had begun.  He became foreman of the drill and crew team.  This job involved moving up and down the state of California.

The couple moved back to South Dakota after WWII ended and Rudy farmed the home place until 1950 at which time moved to a farm on the outskirts of Menno.  He retired in the 70's and resided there until December 2009 at which time he became a resident of the Menno Olivet Care Center until the time of his death. 

He was an avid sports fan and a kind, caring and patient man well known for his dry sense of humor.  The couple enjoyed 73 years of marriage before his death. 

He leaves to mourn, his wife, three sisters, Ruth Young, Denver, CO, Linda Mueller, Yankton, SD, and Hulda Mensch, Menno, SD, and brother, Leo (Sylvia) Kirschenman, Yankton, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Melvin and Reuben; 3 brothers who died in infancy; sister, Annette Maas, 3 brothers-in-law, LaVerne Mensch, Ernest Mueller and Reuben Maas.