Deacon Stan Rudger, who was ordained to the permanent diaconate for the Diocese of Sacramento in 1988 and served the diocese for more than 31 years, died on Feb. 13. He was 79.
Deacon Rudger served at two parishes during the course of his ministry as a deacon. He served from 1988 to 2012 at St. Patrick Parish in Placerville, and from 2013 to 2020 at St. Joseph Parish in Lincoln.
The vigil and rosary for Deacon Rudger will be held on Friday, Feb. 21 in St. Joseph Church, located at 280 Oak Tree Lane in Lincoln. Viewing will start at 4 p.m., followed by the rosary at 5 p.m. and the vigil at 5:30 p.m.
The funeral Mass for Deacon Rudger will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Church. A reception will follow the Mass. Livestream of the Mass can be found at www.stjosephlincoln.com.
Deacon Rudger was a native of San Jose, CA, and when he went on a mission to Alaska in his young adult years, met his wife, Paula. After marriage and the births of two children, Aaron Rudger and Marcy (Rudger) Ulrich, the family moved to the Sierra Nevada foothills, where Deacon Rudger found his spiritual home at St. Patrick Parish in Placerville, where he answered the call to become a permanent deacon, a ministry he embraced with unwavering dedication. After retiring from a 30-year career as an educator, he continued his ministry at St. Joseph Parish in Lincoln, where he leaves a legacy of love and compassion.
He earned bachelor's and master's degrees from California State University-Hayward and a degree in theology from UC Berkeley. He was proud to be a fourth degree Knight of Columbus and founded the chapter at St. Patrick Parish. He shared his knowledge as a teacher and coach, most notably guiding his daughter's high school basketball team for multiple years.
His 56-year marriage to his beloved Paula was a source of inspiration, particularly for the many couples whose weddings he officiated and to his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Paula, twin sister, Pamela Lynn, elder brother, Donald, and his children, Aaron (Kristen) and Marcy (Marc). He is also survived by his five grandchildren and one great-grandson. HIs family notes that Deacon Rudger will be remembered for his deep spirituality, his uncommon commitment to his family and church, his joy found in fishing, golfing, travel and music, and his un-supressable humor.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks the faithful to please consider at donation to St. Joseph Parish Family Center, 280 Oak Tree Lane, Lincoln, CA 95648.