RUDOLPH DESSORT

Rudolph “Rudy” Martin Dessort, age 87, of Neenah, passed away into everlasting peace at home on Sunday, July 28, 2024. Rudy was born on August 15, 1936, to Rudolph, Sr., and Regina (Lewandowski) Dessort. He graduated from Menasha High School in 1954 and served three years in The National Guard. On May 4, 1957, he cherished and married the love of his life, Judith Ann (Francart) Dessort, whom he affectionately nicknamed “Bunny Fuzz”.  They spent 61 years together and had two children.

His second greatest love was spending time at the cottage he built with the help of his father and son on Gurholt Lake in Scandinavia. This was indeed his happy place where he enjoyed the company of his family and friends, hunting, fishing, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, and spending countless hours puttering down by the garage or in his workshop. Rudy amused his family by being a skilled “jury rigger,” regularly creating complex solutions and repairs using whatever materials he had.  His go-to materials often included duct tape and wire hangers. He was an accomplished gardener and produced raspberries and tomatoes in great abundance.  Listening to “big band era” music was also a favorite pastime.

Rudy worked hard to provide for his family, holding various jobs at Scott's Department Store in Janesville, Modern Woodmen of America, Good Year Tire, and Behm's Automotive. However, with his wife and son by his side, Rudy will be most remembered as owning and running Rudy's and Rudy's II restaurants in Neenah for over a decade. Past patrons still reminisce about the chili and chicken dumpling soup, made from scratch and repeatedly sold by the gallon. Later, he also worked for TNT Dental.

Rudy was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Judy, and his younger brother, Robert Dessort.

He is survived by his children, Lynnette (Robert) Lanktree and Mark (Victoria) Dessort; grandchildren, Ashley (Willie) Patton, Nathan Lanktree, Tamara (Jeremy) Miller, and Brandon (Alison) Lanktree; six great-grandchildren: Logan, Joel, Jameson, Samantha, Lorelei, and William. Rudy is also survived by his sister-in-law, Helen Dessort, and many neighborhood friends who frequently looked in on Rudy with a care package in tow.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the amazing staff at ThedaCare Home Hospice and Cornerstone Caregiving for the outstanding care they provided during his final days. Additionally, it was Rudy's wish that no services would be held.