Rudolph Knez

RUDOLPH “RUDI” KNEZ, age 95, of Cleveland, passed away Sunday, April 6th, 2014 at the Slovene Home-Skilled Care and Rehabilitation. He was born in Slovenia, November 8, 1918, in Log near Sevnica. He attended the Salesian University in Turin, Italy, as a theology student, the University of Graz, Austria, and John Carroll University, graduating with a degree in mathematics in 1963. He retired from Caterpillar Inc., in 1983. Mr. Knez was very active in the Cleveland Slovenian community where he was one of the original founders of St. Mary’s Slovenian School. He was also the stage manager for the drama club “Lilija”; founder and director of the youth musicians group “Mladi Harmonikarji”; director of the singing group “Korotan” for 15 years; organist, music and choir director of St. Mary’s Church; member and Slovenian VP of the Holy Name Society; board member of the Catholic Mission Aid (MZA) and member of Slovenska Pristava Pensioners. Rudi was very active with the youth and a strong supporter of the Slovenian culture in the tradition of the Salesian Order of St. John Bosco.

He is survived by his wife Anica (nee Nemec); sons Rudy A., Emil (Helen), Stan (Monica) and Bernard; grandchildren Nicholas, Matthew, Rene, Sebastian and Isabella; siblings Sr. Matilda H.M.P., and Justina Zupancic and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Franc and Jozefa, siblings Pavla Stopar, Lojze, Joze, Franc, Sr. Honorija R.S.M., Sr. Kristina H.M.P., and Anica Sircelj.

Mass of Christian Burial 10 a.m. Saturday April 12, 2014 at St. Mary’s Church followed by burial in All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends at THE ZEVNIK-COSIC FUNERAL HOME 28890 CHARDON RD. (BETWEEN BISHOP RD. AND RT. 91) WILLOUGHBY HILLS FRIDAY FROM 2 TO 8 P.M.

Family suggests memorial donations in Rudi’s name to St. Mary’s Church 15519 Holmes Ave. Cleveland, OH 44110.