Samuel Patrick Thomas Rude

Beloved son Samuel Patrick Thomas Rude, 18 of Rockford passed away suddenly Wednesday, July 29, 2015 from an unknown heart condition. Father Scott Rude, Mother Stacie Walton, brother Caleb and sister Alex were blessed to have him in their lives. Samuel graduated from Auburn High School Renaissance Academy, where he was an AP Scholar with Distinction, an Illinois State Scholar and a member of the WYSE team. He received early admission to attend Missouri University of Science and Technology starting as a sophomore. Survivors include father Scott Rude, mother Stacie Walton, brother Caleb Rude, sister Alex Rude, paternal grandparents Mark Rude and Lillie Rude Anderson, maternal grandparents Thomas and Joyce Walton, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. Samuel was predeceased by maternal grandmother Audrey Walton. Samuel touched the lives of so many wonderful friends who will remember him for his brilliant wit, endless generosity, sincere compassion and incredible loyalty.
Funeral services will be held at 11a.m. Wednesday August 5, 2015 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 South Mulford Road. Visitation will be from 4p.m. until 7p.m. Tuesday August 4, 2015 at the funeral home. Visitation will also be from 10 a.m. until service time Wednesday at the funeral home. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com