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.
