Rudolph F. Mashak

Rudolph F. “Rudy” Mashak, 86, of Iron Mountain, passed away on Thursday, June 2, 2022, at Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson. On January 17, 1936, Rudy was born on the family farm in Iron Mountain to the late Michael and Anna (Humic) Mashak. He worked the family farm from the age of 5. In 1955, he graduated from Channing High School in Channing, Michigan. After graduation, Rudy acquired his Automotive Maintenance & Repair Certificate from American Technical Society of Chicago, Illinois. Then, he partnered with his brother, John Mashak to form Mashak Brothers Excavating Contractors. Together they did the ground work for many of the local projects throughout Iron Mountain, Kingsford, North Dickinson, Norway, Quinnesec, and Niagara areas. On April 24, 1971, Rudy married Susan Baacke at First Covenant Church in Iron Mountain. They proceeded to be blessed with three daughters, which he adored. Rudy’s wife and children were his passion. He worked hard to provide for his family. He always felt a strong call to nature and had a love of animals. When Rudy wasn’t excavating, he was enjoying and exploring nature and wildlife in other ways. He maintained a passion for gardening for as long as his body would allow. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. As an annual pass holder for Disney, he didn’t miss a trip in the last 43 years. After a long day of work/play, he would often wind down his day by catching up on the latest news and political discussion. Rudy will always be remembered for his affectionate smile, heart of gold, soft hair, and calloused hands. Rudy will be deeply missed by his wife of 51 years, Susan; 3 daughters, Melody (Kurt) Caylor, Angela (Matt) Klumb, Andrea Mashak-Lassila (Jay); 4 grandchildren, Paul Mashak and Ellie, Sydney and Jace Klumb; brother, John; special niece, Star Martin; nephews and many other relatives and friends. Rudy’s Festival of Life will be celebrated by close family. Rudy’s family would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Shaker, Dr. Jacobs, Derek Schinderle, Megan Collins, Dickinson County Home Health, all of the first responders, nursing and ER staff at the hospital for their compassion and care. Memorial contributions may be made to benefit the Dickinson County Cancer Closet. Condolences to the family of Rudy Mashak may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Rudolph F. Mashak

January 17, 1936 - June 2, 2022