Rudolph "Rudy" Zittel's Obituary
Rudolph W. Zittel
Rudy Zittel, 86, was born in Tacoma on May 30, 1930 and passed away peacefully in Tacoma on February 9, 2017. Rudy graduated from Clover Park High School in the Class of 1948/49. He spent 22 years serving our country in the US Navy. The US Navy offered a varied and wonderful career. He spent time on board Navy vessels sailing the South Pacific early in his career and developed a love of aviation. Rudy’s love for working in the aviation sector of the US Navy provided him a full, rich career with many years of traveling throughout the United States. Rudy retired from the US Navy as a Chief Petty Officer (E7) in 1973. His love of aviation transferred to his next career with Boeing as an aviation machinist. His last position was as an aviation machinist at Fort Lewis. He retired from Federal Civil Service at Fort Lewis in 1993. Rudy split his time in retirement between Tacoma and Green Valley, Arizona, until 2009 when he permanently settled in Tacoma.
Rudy was a sportsman and a craftsman with numerous hobbies including photography, travel, fishing, bird watching, radio control (RC) airplanes, stunt kites, golf, and watching his favorite football and baseball teams (Seahawks and Mariners). Rudy was an accomplished RC airplane pilot who flew with the Green Valley RC Flyers in Arizona and the Mount Rainer Radio Control Society in Washington.
Preceded in death by his wife Violet Zittel, parents Beatrice and Raymond Zittel, grandparents Anna and Rudolf Rakusan, son-in-law Jack Crispin, and companion Mary Hurd.
Survived by daughters Trisha Isaman, (son-in-law Robert, grandsons Wade, Nathan, Matthew and wife Susan); Nadine Crispin (grandson Ashley and wife Tamara, great grandchildren Kaitlin, Aidan, Colton and Madilyn, grandson Tyler and wife Danielle, and great granddaughter Evelynn); Laurene Zittel (son-in-law Paul McClain); brother Daniel Zittel, and faithful companion of 14 years, Tippy.
Rudy was a man of integrity, honor, and gratitude, who loved and adored his family, which included all the four legged members as well.
Family will provide an update on the celebration of life services at a later date.
Please share your memories of Rudy and condolences to the family by visiting the tribute wall.
What’s your fondest memory of Rudolph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rudolph?
Share a story where Rudolph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rudolph you’ll never forget.
How did Rudolph make you smile?