Rudy Josef Mengele Sr.

Rudolf Josef Mengele Sr., age 84, a resident of Allenton since 1985 and previously from Ray Township, passed away on Saturday March 27, 2021 at his home. Rudy was born in Munich Germany on March 23, 1937 and came to the United States when he was 16. Upon arrival in Michigan, Rudy worked for Herman Rapp at “Rapp’s Orchards” in Washington Township. He then worked and became manager at Holtzapple Poultry Farm in Ray Township till 1985. Rudy married the former Sandy Visnick on October 15, 1966 at the Romeo United Methodist Church. After Holtzapple Poultry Farm disbanded, Rudy & Sandy moved to their farm in Allenton where they raised Polled Hereford cattle. They raised, sold and showed their cattle all over Michigan. When not farming, Rudy was a member of the Berville Lions, belonged to the Berville Coffee Mugers, former president of the Armada Fair and for many years on the 4-H cattle auction committee. He loved to drive around, looking at neighbors farms, checking out their crops and going to Papa’s Restaurant in Armada. Rudy is survived by his wife Sandy, children: Katrina (Ed) Zawadzki of Allenton & Rudy Jr. of Warren. Also survived by 4 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren along with siblings: Bill Mengele of New York, Elizabeth Mayerbacher of Germany, Helga McCann of Royal Oak and Pat Engel of Arizona. Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at 10 at St John Catholic Church, Allenton, MI with burial to follow at the West Berlin Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 3-8 PM at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home, (11280 32 Mile Road, Romeo Michigan 48065) Donations to St Jude’s Children Research Hospital would be appreciated.