Rudy J. Anema's Obituary
Rudolph (Rudy) Joseph Anema, loving father, son, grandfather, and well-liked neighbor passed away from complications of interstitial lung disease while comforted by his daughters on November 6, 2024 at the age of 94.
Rudy was born on March 25, 1930 in Denver, Colorado, the son of Helen Agnes Anema and Charles Jay Anema, and the younger brother of Charles (Chuck) Jay Anema. During WW II, Rudy, age 12, Chuck, and their mother moved to San Leandro, California. Rudy played the trombone in the Highlanders marching band and continued playing through high school. As a teenager Rudy developed an interest in electronics and science and got a job repairing radios and the first televisions. Rudy joined the Navy and became an electronics technician on a destroyer during the Korean War.
After serving in the military, Rudy became a TV repairman at a shop in San Leandro. Rudy and Betty Anna Shoup married, and they moved along with the television repair shop to Fremont were Rudy eventually owned his own repair shop, Smith’s TV. Rudy was a role model to his four children showing that it was possible to accomplish most task and repairs yourself. Rudy had an interest in science and astronomy and often worked on inventions and later on theoretical physics - sharing these interests with his children. Rudy will be remembered for telling many interesting stories about his life to family, and friends.
Eventually, Rudy’s long-term loving partner for over three decades was Colleen Graaskamp. Rudy was preceded in death by Colleen, as well as daughter, Ann Marie, and brother, Chuck. Rudy was very thankful and proud of his family and told his children this regularly. Rudy is survived by children: Kathryn, David, and Barbra; and grandchildren: Adam, Aaron, Zachary, and Sierra.
A graveside service will be held at the Chapel of the Chimes Hayward, Memorial Park Garden of Tribute, on Friday, November 22 at 11 AM. After the service, a reception will be held at the Washington Township Museum of Local History at 190 Anza Street, Fremont, CA 94539 where Rudy was previously honored to be awarded “Volunteer of the Year.” Donations may be made to the Museum in lieu of flowers.
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