Rudolph West

On Monday, February 4th, Rudolph “Rudy” West, age 85 departed his family and friends on Earth to join his angel winged family and friends in heaven. He passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by loving family members.  Rudy was born on December 30, 1933 in LaSalle, Illinois to Marie and Frank West. He was one of eleven children and is survived by his sister, Margie Cielaszyki, who is 93 years old. He married his beautiful wife, Jeanette Rimmele of LaSalle, IL on June 4, 1955, beginning the journey of husband and wife for 63 wonderful years.  He spent his first three years of marriage serving his country in the army, stationed in New Mexico. Rudy then earned his bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University and was the only one of the eleven children to earn a college degree. Upon graduation, he started a career in banking. Rudy also began his career as a father, having two daughters, Kimberly West Pechon and Leanne West Robichaux. He cherished “his girls” and inspired and aided them in attaining their dreams and goals. In 1979, Rudy and his family members headed south and moved to Mandeville, which has been home ever since.   Rudy loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was a very accomplished man, working as a banker and a real estate developer. He “retired” at age 38 but never stopped working. He also loved to travel, cook, and build. Above all, Rudy was a devoted family man, who loved his wife, daughters, son-in-laws, Craig Robichaux and Wayne Pechon, five grandsons, Spencer, Jared, and Cameron Robichaux, and Brendan and Trent Pechon, and his granddaughter-in-law, Nisha Robichaux. He also experienced the tremendous joy of getting to hold and love his great grandson, James Robichaux, who was born in August.  Rudy answered to many names and was loved by everyone who referred to him. Rudy was known as “Papa” to his five grandsons and his great grandson. His grandsons loved him deeply and were very close to him, getting to grow up with him, as he played an instrumental role in each of their lives. He was also known as “Uncle Rudy” to his nieces and nephews and many of them even thought of him as a father. Rudy was called “Dad” by his daughters, and they knew they had the best “Dad” in the entire world! Jeanette knew him as her beloved “sweetheart” since a mere sixteen years of age. She always had endearing names for him to reflect her unsurpassed love for him. His son-in-laws referred to him as Rudy and formed a strong loving bond with him, knowing he loved them like sons. Finally, Rudy was a genuine friend to so many, always sharing his kindness, smile, and love with them.  No matter what he was called, his passion and love for his family and friends matched his tremendous, generous heart. Rudy, “Sweetheart”, “Dad” “Papa”, and “Uncle Rudy” will live on forever in the hearts of his family and friends. The family would like to thank Interim Hospice for their incredible care. A private memorial will be held to honor Rudolph West.