Rudolf Karl Morche III (“Rudy”) was born on December 25, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, and fell asleep in Jesus on March 22, 2026, at AdventHealth Orlando South at 3:41 p.m., at the age of 83.
Rudy was born at home on Christmas Day in Detroit, Michigan, the middle child of Rudolf Karl Morche Jr. and Clara (Eggley) Morche. He was one of seven children, with five brothers—Ronald, Dennis, Warren, Wayne, and James—and one sister, Roseanne. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother James, and a grandson, James Morche’.
After graduating from high school, Rudy began working in the elevator trade in Detroit, where he spent many years before retiring in the late 1970s. He later moved to northern Michigan, where he met Penny, whom he married in September 1983. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service.
Rudy had three children from a previous marriage: James (Karla) of Harrison, Michigan; Pamela (Terry) of Sterling Heights, Michigan; and Matthew (Heather) of McBain, Michigan. Through his marriage to Penny, he became a loving stepfather to Michelle (John) Munn of Mancelona, Michigan, and Travis (Kristina) Munn of Mishawaka, Indiana.
Rudy worked in Florida as a maintenance technician for AdventHealth Lake Placid and Forest Lake Academy until his full retirement in 2005. Even in retirement, he remained active and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Rudy had a deep love for travel, especially enjoying winters in Florida where he cherished the sunshine and sea air. He was also an avid NASCAR fan who loved attending races or watching them on television. Known for his remarkable ability to fix just about anything, Rudy took great joy in sharing his skills with his children, grandchildren, students, and friends. One of Rudy’s many skills included cooking and sharing his food and recipes with friends and family.
He was a faithful member of the Cadillac 13th Street Seventh-day Adventist Church in Cadillac, Michigan, where his kindness, generosity, and servant’s heart were deeply appreciated by his church family.
Rudy is survived by his children, stepchildren, and 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, including step-grandchildren Elani Munn and Ezra Millen.
A memorial service will be forthcoming in May 2026.
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.”
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