In Remembrance Of
Rudy Hoerl
Rudolph Fred Hoerl Jr.
August 5, 1941 – April 3, 2025
Rudolph Fred Hoerl Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. He was 83 years old.
Rudy was born and raised in Boonville, Missouri, and had a strong Lutheran faith. He graduated high school in 1959 and went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Army. In 1966, he moved to California, where fate would introduce him to his future wife, Donna Beckwith. Together, they built a life full of love and laughter, sharing 56 devoted years of marriage.
Rudy worked at Allied Signal—now Honeywell—for over 30 years, where he not only found a lifelong career but also met Donna. They raised their two children, Mark Hoerl and Shelley Hoerl, in Redondo Beach, California, and later moved to Smithville, Missouri in 2008.
Rudy enjoyed baseball, football, morning coffee, fishing, long drives, and following politics. He loved the simple pleasures of life—family gatherings, exploring new places, and staying connected with those he loved. He was especially proud of his grandchildren. His love, loyalty, many army stories, and humor touched everyone who knew him. He told Donna every day that he loved her, and his strength and steadfast spirit endured through his final moments.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Hoerl; his children, Mark Hoerl (Wendy) and Shelley Hoerl (Matthew McDaniel); grandchildren Ashley (Dario Brandon) Vega, Muriel, Charles, and Austin; great-grandchild Azalea; sister Susan Hoerl; brothers Mark Hoerl (Sharon) and Donald Hoerl (Lesley); niece Kristen Hoerl; and nephew Kent Hoerl.
Rudy’s life was a testament to hard work, love, and unwavering dedication to family. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the honor of knowing him.
Visitation: 10:00-11:00 a.m. with Funeral Services at 11:00 a.m. all Monday, April 7th at Smithville United Methodist Church in Smithville, MO.
Burial will be at the Community of Smithville Memorial Cemetery in Smithville, MO
Donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now
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Service Details
Community of Smithville Memorial Cemetery
10:00-11:00 a.m. Monday, April 7th at Smithville United Methodist Church, Smithville, MO
11:00 a.m. Monday, April 7th at Smithville United Methodist Church, Smithville, MO
Comments & condolences
6 comments
Joan Mickelson
As long as we have been friends I never had the honor to meet Rudy in person but through our years of correspondence I felt like I knew him. I will have you and your family in my prayers during this tough time. Remember all the good times and may God bless you all..
Gina Schottel
Rudy was such a nice fellow! So sorry to hear of his passing. I used to pet sit his and Donna’s doggy, Coco. Thinking of Donna and his family.
Cheryl Evenich and family
Dear Donna, Shelley and Mark,
I am so sad to hear about the passing of your beloved husband and dad. I am holding you up in prayer during this extremely difficult time. I met him way back when in Redondo Beachvsuch a nice person. God Bless You!
Cheryl Evenich
Don and Debi Burgess
Ruday was such an incredible person. I loved hearing him laugh. He welcomed us into his family and we were blessed to have him in our lives. May you find comfort knowing how many people loved him
Kevan and Marnie Conkling
Rudy was our neighbor for many years but he became so much more as the years progressed. We enjoyed sitting outside with him on warm days. We would talk about fishing, camping and grandchildren. He was always quick to ask how our youngest son was faring in the USMC. His military connection was felt as he regaled his own personal experiences. He was a man with a big smile and even bigger heart. He is the only person I ever met who won a prize on a televised game show! Good luck followed him wherever he went. We already miss his presence across the street. We were blessed to know him.
Karen Lugo
Hello Hoerl family,
I am so sorry for your loss of wonderful Rudy. I have such great memories of him loving my parties because we always had great food!! My kids both loved him and he was great with them. I hope he and Jamie meet and go fishing together in heaven.
love always, Karen