Rudolph Yathon passed away Thursday, April 19, 2007 at the age of 82 years. Rudy was born Friday, September 12, 1924 at Melville to Philip and Eva (nee Presser) Yathon. Rudy grew up on the family farm, eventually taking it over in 1949, where he and Shirley (nee Penner) would remain to raise their family until moving into Melville in 2001. Rudy farmed all of his life, but in his spare time spent countless hours playing his violin, accordion, harmonica, guitar and keyboard. He had a love and natural talent for music and could play any instrument without lessons. Rudy was very involved in his community, serving on the boards of the local wheat pool committee, co-op and church. Throughout his life, Rudy had many interests including golfing and fishing with family and friends, dancing the polka, playing cards, curling and taking care of his trees. However, his greatest love was his family, and he especially enjoyed the time he was able to spend with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Rudy was predeceased by a daughter, Brenda Jane (in infancy): his parents, Philip and Eva (nee Presser) Yathon; brothers Jacob (in infancy), Gustav, John and Andrew Yathon; sisters Augustina (in infancy), Karoline (in infancy), Julia Vickers, Katherine Krieger and Mary Evancio; a sister-in-law, Marie Yathon and three brothers-in-law, Otto Litzenberger, Raymond Boehm and John Wildeman. He leaves to mourn his passing and to cherish his memory: his loving wife of 58 years, Shirley; five children, Theresa Cherney, Owen (Rhoda), Lonette (Brian) Brooks, Wrenell (Tom) Streisel and Enid (Kevin) Dales; nine grandchildren, Everett (Kim), Matthew and Andrew Yathon; Kimberley Worth, Theresa (Chris) Haas, Cory Worth and Alyssia Brooks; Travis (fiancé Kristen) and Michael Dales; two great-grandchildren, Chesley and Caitlyn Haas; three sisters, Elizabeth Litzenberger, Frieda Boehm and Eleanora Wildeman; a brother, Ernest (Edythe) Yathon; a sister-in-law, Alvina Yathon and a brother-in-law, Pete Evancio; as well as numerous nieces, nephew and other relatives.