Lester Rudy Obituary

Rudy, M.D., Lester H. of Rockford, IL, formerly of Winnetka, died May 25, 2005. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ruth Jean; and daughter, Sherri, both of Rockford, and many dear friends. Dr. Rudy was born March 6, 1918 to Sol and Mildred (Weinzimmer) Rudy of Chicago. He was one of the "Thrift Stamp Triplets" who received national attention at birth; the triplets each were presented with a $5.00 bond and a congratulatory letter from President Woodrow Wilson. He is predeceased by his parents and sisters, Sylvia Rudy and Blanche Rudy. Dr. Rudy received his B.S. and M.D. from the University of Illinois; he interned at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital, Los Angeles, CA and completed his residency in psychiatry at the VA Hospital in Downey, Illinois. Dr. Rudy received his M.S. in Hospital Administration from Northwestern University. He was a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc. Dr. Rudy was a veteran of World War II, serving in the South Pacific with the Americal Division 1942 -1946; he was the recipient of three Bronze Star Medals, one with Oak Leaf Cluster. Following the war, he continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves until his retirement as a Colonel in 1961. Dr. Rudy served as Chief of the Acute Intensive Treatment Service at the VA Hospital, Downey, IL 1948-1954 which is where he met the love of his life, Ruth Jean Schmidt of Menominee, Michigan. He then served as Superintendent of Galesburg State Research Hospital, Galesburg, IL 1954-1958; Director of the Illinois State Psychiatric Institute, Chicago, IL 1958-1975; Director, Illinois Mental Health Institutes at Chicago, 1967-1975; Director, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, and Executive Director of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc. 1969-1986; Professor and Executive Head of the Department of Psychiatry, Abraham Lincoln School of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago 1975-1988; Acting Director of the University of Illinois Hospital, Chicago, 1981-1982; Senior Consultant, Blue Cross/Blue Shield 1996-2003. He was a psychiatric consultant to many academic institutions and governmental bodies including the U.S. Army; Family Court of Cook County, Illinois; Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, Chicago; New York Department of Mental Hygiene; West Side VA Hospital, Chicago; Hines VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois; Royal College of Psychiatrists, Durham, England, and the Circuit Court of Winnebago County, Illinois. Dr. Rudy also served as AMA Commissioner with the Joint Commission on Accredidation of Hospitals 1968-1972 and was on the Residency Review Committees for both Psychiatry and Neurology 1972-1986. Dr. Rudy was an active member of numerous professional organizations including the World Psychiatric Association, the Pan American Medical Association, The Illinois Psychiatric Society, the American Psychiatric Society, the Academy of Psychoanalysis, the Central Neuropsychiatric Association, the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry, the Illinois Hospital Association, the Illinois State Medical Society. He was a Charter Fellow of the American College of Psychiatrists and a Fellow of the American Medical Association. He was a prolific author and lecturer on a variety of mental health issues. His numerous professional honors and achievements include: President of the Illinois Psychiatric Society; recipient of the American College of Psychiatrists Bowis Award for Outstanding Achievement and Leadership; recipient of the University of Illinois Medical Alumni Association Outstanding Achievement Award. He was an Honorary Fellow in the Royal Collegev of Psychiatrists; Honorary Professor of the Department of Psychiatry, University of Salamanca, Spain; Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago; and Visiting Professor in Psychiatry, University of Indonesia. Despite his many academic, military, and professional accomplishments, Dr. Rudy was most proud (and tolerant) of his special "gwirls" RJ and Sherri, who will forever miss the twinkle in his blue eyes and his wry sense of humor. In addition to his family and friends, his passions included world travel and gourmet dining. At his request, there will be no public service. A celebration of his life will be held Wednesday, June 1, 2005 from 4 to 6 p.m., at Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford, Rockford, Illinois.