Rudy’s life began on Feb. 9, 1938, in St. Joseph, the son of Robert L. Gard Sr. and Doris M. (Phillipi) Gard.

Rudy, 72, of Sister Lakes, received his education at Ferris State Institute and graduated on the dean’s list as a pharmacist.

Rudy was the owner and registered pharmacist for Gard Pharmacy for more than 20 years and for Kmart Pharmacy in Benton Harbor and Sturgis for 20 years.

He was united in marriage to the former Jane Douglas on Jan. 17, 1970, in Benton Harbor.

Rudy loved the water and he enjoyed being a member in the Michiana Yacht Club and captaining his yacht.

He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and loved cars.

Rudy was a member of the Road Baron’s Car Club in high school.

His loving family includes: his wife, Jane Gard of Sister Lakes; children, Sherry Starkey of Cadillac, Russell W. (Donna) Gard of Arizona, Derrick W. (Joanne) Gard of Elkhart, Ind., Damon T. Gard of Mattawan and Mandy McCrorey of Sister Lakes; grandchildren, Kristy, Chelsea, Brittney, Nicholas, Jasmine, Allayna, Dylan, Jenna, Kendall, Morgan, Ben and Emma; and several nieces and nephews.

Rudy passed away at his home surrounded by family on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010.

He is preceded in death by a granddaughter, Kaia Gard, in 2009 and his brother, Robert L. Gard Jr.

His family will receive friends on Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel, where his funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday led by Pastor Jim Tippin.

He will be laid to rest in Keeler Cemetery at a later date.

Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Rudy at www.yazel-clark.com.