Rudolph "Rudy" Alstrom passed away Aug. 26 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital following a series of illnesses. Rudy was born in the Bronx, N.Y., on July 5, 1931.
He was the youngest of eight children born to Neil and Blinda Ahlstrom. He served in the U.S. Air Force for four years during the Korean War. After Korea, Rudy worked as an electrical engineer on many of the NASA Apollo projects. He then worked as a realtor in Coral Springs, where he won state salesperson of the year award for his outstanding sales achievements. In 1979, Rudy moved his family to Sarasota, Florida where he was licensed real estate broker and owner of a construction company. He developed communities and built many homes throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties. Rudy was also a part time resident of Highlands, NC.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years, Clydia Alstrom. Survivors include his five children, Clyde Alstrom and wife Rose of Longboat Key, FL, Lisa Alstrom of Sarasota, FL, Brian Alstrom and wife Diane of Sarasota FL , Zoe Alstrom Haller of Sarasota, FL and Eric Alstrom and wife Anya of Palmetto FL; and his 10 grandchildren, Ashlee Rose, Amy, Billy, Alison, George, Olivia, Maria, Karl, Kristoffer, and Ryan.
Rudy loved his family and was especially proud of his grandchildren. He enjoyed singing and often sung in church. He was a past member of Trinity Assembly of God in Franklin, NC. He loved the mountains of North Carolina and this is where he will be laid to rest alongside his loving wife, Clydia.
A grave side service will be held at 1 pm on Thursday September 2, at Buck Creek Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery Highlands, NC. Rudy will be missed by everyone who knew him and was an inspiration to all.
Donations can be sent in honor of Rudolph Alstrom to Buck Creek Baptist Church, c/o Glandon Vaughn, 133 Amber Drive, Highlands, NC 28741.
Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.