Gerald William Rudelitsch, 82, of Aitkin, Minn., died July 23, 2024, at his home. He was the husband of Lidja Rudelitsch.

Born in Palmerton, he was the son of the late William and Mary (Steigerwalt) Rudelitsch.

He was a 1960 graduate of Northampton High School.

He attended Wake Forest University on a football scholarship.

He served in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War-era.

He was well known in Aitkin for playing his gospel music. He loved caring for his cattle and Morgan horses and was a rancher at heart.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Donna; a granddaughter, Jen Alandy and spouse Kris and their children Ella and Bradley of Las Vegas, Nev.; a grandson, Justin Sommerfeld; a sister, Dolores Reenock and husband Gary of Walnutport; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son, William “Billy.”