1925
Rudy
2016
Rudy A. Krall SR
June 5, 1925 — June 24, 2016
Rudolph (Rudy) Albert Krall
June 5, 1925 - June 24, 2016
Rudolph (Rudy) Albert Krall, 91, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, formerly of Gary, Indiana passed away peacefully on June 24, 2016 from heart failure. He is survived by his wife, Merlene; sons Rudy Jr. (Nancy), Randy (Karen), daughters Renae Bunn and Robin Burlingame (John), step children Frank (Carol) Hines, Gary (Sofia) Hines and Melinda Hines. He has 7 grandchildren and (2) great grandchild. He is also survived by Brother William Krall, (Laguna Nigel, CA) and many nieces and nephews.
Born in Gary, Indiana to Mike and Barbra Krall, Rudy attended Lou Wallace High School and entered the Navy V-12 program in 1944. He played at Notre Dame for two semesters, transferred to Missouri Valley College for one semester then came to UNM in 1945. From 1945-48, Rudy played in three bowl games for the Lobos. In the 1946 Sun Bowl, Rudy set a game record with a 65 yard interception return for a touchdown.
Rudy was a 60-minute man, which meant he played both offense and defense. He even played an entire game after suffering a shoulder injury. “As long as I could lift my arm, I could still play,” recalled the man who was nicknamed “The Big Horse”. Rudy was an All-Border Conference running back in 1947 and ’48. At age 77, Rudy was inducted into the UNM Hall of Honor. Krall was described as a “punishing player” from his fullback position. Following the 1948 season and graduation with a degree in Civil Engineering, Rudy signed a contract with the Philadelphia Eagles for $7,500. He did not make the team, but returned to Albuquerque and married the girl next door, Florence Zavada and started his family. Rudy worked as a construction estimator for 40 years in the Albuquerque area and also officiated New Mexico high school football games for 35 years.
Rudy was an avid bridge player and met his life and bridge companion, Merlene at the Albuquerque Bridge Club. They were married in 1985 and remained devoted to each other until Rudy’s passing. Merlene provided Rudy with unending love, happiness and support. Rudy and Merlene traveled the Southwest, competing in duplicate bridge tournaments. Their play was formidable and earned them high respect for their bridge skills. Rudy was one of five players in Albuquerque to attain the rank of Diamond Life Master and loved the game with all of his heart.
A special thanks to all at the Albuquerque Bridge Club that helped Rudy continue to play the game he loved until the day before his death. Also, a sincere thanks to the Presbyterian Heart Group for all of their technical expertise and the staff of Brookdale Assisted Living facility for their support in his final days. In his honor the family is requesting donations in Rudy’s name be made to the UNM Alumni Letterman Association, Dept. of Athletics University of New Mexico, MSC 042680, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131 or contact 505-925-5905. Condolences can be extended at www.danielfuneral.com <http://www.danielfuneral.com>. A private family celebration of Rudy’s life will be held at a later date.
Daniels Family Funeral Services
CARLISLE CHAPEL
3113 Carlisle Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
505-884-1188
June 5, 1925 - June 24, 2016
Rudolph (Rudy) Albert Krall, 91, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, formerly of Gary, Indiana passed away peacefully on June 24, 2016 from heart failure. He is survived by his wife, Merlene; sons Rudy Jr. (Nancy), Randy (Karen), daughters Renae Bunn and Robin Burlingame (John), step children Frank (Carol) Hines, Gary (Sofia) Hines and Melinda Hines. He has 7 grandchildren and (2) great grandchild. He is also survived by Brother William Krall, (Laguna Nigel, CA) and many nieces and nephews.
Born in Gary, Indiana to Mike and Barbra Krall, Rudy attended Lou Wallace High School and entered the Navy V-12 program in 1944. He played at Notre Dame for two semesters, transferred to Missouri Valley College for one semester then came to UNM in 1945. From 1945-48, Rudy played in three bowl games for the Lobos. In the 1946 Sun Bowl, Rudy set a game record with a 65 yard interception return for a touchdown.
Rudy was a 60-minute man, which meant he played both offense and defense. He even played an entire game after suffering a shoulder injury. “As long as I could lift my arm, I could still play,” recalled the man who was nicknamed “The Big Horse”. Rudy was an All-Border Conference running back in 1947 and ’48. At age 77, Rudy was inducted into the UNM Hall of Honor. Krall was described as a “punishing player” from his fullback position. Following the 1948 season and graduation with a degree in Civil Engineering, Rudy signed a contract with the Philadelphia Eagles for $7,500. He did not make the team, but returned to Albuquerque and married the girl next door, Florence Zavada and started his family. Rudy worked as a construction estimator for 40 years in the Albuquerque area and also officiated New Mexico high school football games for 35 years.
Rudy was an avid bridge player and met his life and bridge companion, Merlene at the Albuquerque Bridge Club. They were married in 1985 and remained devoted to each other until Rudy’s passing. Merlene provided Rudy with unending love, happiness and support. Rudy and Merlene traveled the Southwest, competing in duplicate bridge tournaments. Their play was formidable and earned them high respect for their bridge skills. Rudy was one of five players in Albuquerque to attain the rank of Diamond Life Master and loved the game with all of his heart.
A special thanks to all at the Albuquerque Bridge Club that helped Rudy continue to play the game he loved until the day before his death. Also, a sincere thanks to the Presbyterian Heart Group for all of their technical expertise and the staff of Brookdale Assisted Living facility for their support in his final days. In his honor the family is requesting donations in Rudy’s name be made to the UNM Alumni Letterman Association, Dept. of Athletics University of New Mexico, MSC 042680, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131 or contact 505-925-5905. Condolences can be extended at www.danielfuneral.com <http://www.danielfuneral.com>. A private family celebration of Rudy’s life will be held at a later date.
Daniels Family Funeral Services
CARLISLE CHAPEL
3113 Carlisle Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
505-884-1188
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