Rudy Ray Cheesman, 68, of Frankfort, passed away on Monday, June 27, 2022 at Mulberry Health after a battle with cancer. He was born on March 24, 1954 in Clinton County to Hubert B. and Mary Patricia (Irwin) Cheesman.
Rudy was a 1972 graduate of Clinton Prairie High School and a 1976 graduate of ITT Technical Institute. He worked for General Battery/Exide for 20 years, and as a welder at Politan Steel Fab, Brock Grain Systems, and Rohn Products. His most recent job was at Frankfort Parks Department, a job he thoroughly enjoyed.
Rudy always had a passion for aviation. He, along with his father, built an ultralight plane and took flying lessons to become certified to fly their homemade aircraft. He also built and flew radio controlled airplanes and had been a member of the Frankfort Orbitors Club. He always enjoyed building plastic airplane models. He loved fishing and in his younger days enjoyed crossbow hunting, boating, and water skiing. Rudy enjoyed attending the Christian Life Church and the New Beginning Church in Frankfort.
Survivors include a sister, Trudy (Butch) Beckner of Frankfort; nephews, Chad (Natalie) Hodgen of Monticello and Evan (Kristin) Hodgen of Lafayette, and several great nieces and great nephews.
In addition to his parents, Rudy is preceded in death by a sister, Brenda Kay.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 1, 2022, at Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort, from 10:00 a.m. to the start of the funeral service at 12:00 noon with Pastor Paul Whitaker officiating. The service will be live-streamed and available to view at www.gendafuneralhome.com. Burial will follow in the Greenlawn Cemetery in Frankfort. Memorial donations may be made to the Frankfort Parks Department. The family would like to thank Kristel and the rest of Guardian Angel Hospice staff for their help and support during this difficult journey. Online condolences can be made by visiting www.gendafuneralhome.com .