Rudolph T. Shiflar

Rudolph T. Shiflar

Rudy, a long time resident of Rock Springs, WY, passed away on January 3^rd, 2010, in Sandy, Utah surrounded by loving family members.

He was born on October 11^th, 1916, in Butte, MT, the third of nine children, to John and Ann Sever Shiflar.

In his teenage years he left home to work in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC Camp) where he helped build the roads and facilities in Yellowstone National Park and Half Moon Lake.  He was drafted into the United States Army in 1941 and served in the Philippines and Japan in WWII.  He married Jennie Usenichnik on September 18^th, 1948.  Rudy worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for 30 years. 

Rudy enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, riding motorcycles and loved to travel.  He had a natural athletic ability for sports and decided to take up skiing at the young age of 70.  He played the Button Box Accordion and was a member of the Rock Springs Button Box Band, entertaining at many local and family events.  He loved polkas and Slovenian music– both playing and dancing – he was the first one on the dance floor and the last one to leave. Whenever you asked Rudy what time it was the answer was always: “It’s Polka Time!” 

He is survived by his sisters Annie Marietti and Virginia (Don) Orester, both of Rock Springs, WY; sister Sylvia (Dean) Flynn of Murray, UT; brother Frank (Helen) Shiflar of Sandy, UT; sisters-in-law Irene Shiflar of Green River, WY and Frances (Warren) Smith of Spokane, WA; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his wife; brothers John, Al, and Andrew; and sister Christine Jelosek.

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to niece Marilyn Rogers for her help with “Uncle Rudy” during the past years and to the kind and caring staff at Atria Living Center in Sandy, Utah.

A memorial mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 11^th at 11:00 AM at St. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, 633 Bridger Avenue, Rock Springs.  The family will be at the church at 10:30 AM prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Holy Spirit Catholic Community, 116 Broadway, Rock Springs, WY 82901 or the Young at Heart Senior Center, 2400 Reagan Avenue, Rock Springs, WY 82901.