Karl Rudolph

          It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Karl Rudolph.  Karl, who was in his 97th year, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025 at LHSC - Victoria Hospital.

          Loving husband to the late Yutta Rudolph for 59 years, loving Dad to Don (Carolyn) and Wendy, proud Opa to Emily (Paul), Isaac, and Owen and Great Opa to Isla.  Dad was predeceased by his grandson Alexander and his sister Liesel.

          Dad was born and raised in Germany during a very tumultuous time in history.  The experiences of his youth, shaped by the events of World War II, left him with many strong memories.  He certainly enjoyed sharing those stories with his family and friends.  From a young age, Dad loved being outdoors.  Encouraged by his mother, he pursued this passion by attending gardening school in the late 1940s and early 1950s.  He then apprenticed and worked in Germany for several years before immigrating to Canada in 1954, seeking new opportunities. 

          In 1956, he married Mom and soon began his long and fulfilling career with the City of London’s Parks Department. Starting as a gardener, he later became lead hand, working shoulder to shoulder with his crews.  Dad took great pride in creating the vibrant flower beds that adorned downtown public parks and spaces, and in leading tree-planting efforts that added hundreds of trees to the city’s landscape.  He eventually retired as London’s landscaper—a role he embraced with quiet pride and deep satisfaction.  Even in retirement, Dad’s love of horticulture never waned.  He continued to care for private gardens and maintained his own backyard “park” for Mom.  Dad enjoyed watching golf and soccer on T.V., but his favourite pastime was his weekly euchre matches with close friends and in later years, consistently outwitting his children and grandchildren at Chinese Checkers.

          We are deeply grateful to the staff at Horizon Place, who helped make Dad’s transition from his home of nearly 65 years, a warm and welcoming experience.  He truly enjoyed his time there.  Sincere thanks also go to the dedicated teams at Victoria and University Hospitals, as well as his private caregivers, who provided compassionate care during his final days.  A small family Celebration will take place at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to Victoria or University Hospital or by ordering a tree to be planted in Canada at alivingtribute.ca.

Wareing Cremation Services, 225 Norwich Ave., Woodstock, Ontario was entrusted with Final Arrangements.  Your messages of remembrance and condolence may be shared here at wareingcremation.ca