Michael Andrew Rudolph

Mike was born 01/16/1944 and was called home to the Lord and to join loved ones on 12/22/2024. Mike is preceded in death by parents, Norman and Betty Jane (Michael) Rudolph, and his wife, Karen Joan (Kersey) Rudolph. 

Mike was a beloved son, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He will be truly missed by son Michael, daughter-in-law, Pam, of Claremore, grandchildren, Clay (Shay), Chance (Katelyn), Cristin (Lance) and four great grandchildren. 

Mike was born in Oklahoma City and grew up in Tulsa. In 1962 he met the love of his life, Karen Joan Kersey, and they were married in 1963. 

Mike served in the US Army and was stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas as part of the U.S. Army optical program. He was discharged in 1968 and returned to Tulsa where he was employed by Sun Oil Refinery until his retirement in 2000. 

Mike’s father and his uncle raced motorcycles and midget racers, and Mike grew up tinkering with motorcycles and cars. Growing up in a family that raced, it was also said that Mike “had a need for speed!” 

Beginning in the 1970s Mike began participating in local and regional motocross racing and has many trophies that attest to his skills as a competitor. His son Michael as well as grandchildren, Clay, Chance and Cristen, have also participated in motorcycle racing. 

In the 1970s after attending some local fly-ins, Mike became interested in aviation and obtained his private pilot license under the G.I. education program. Always mechanically inclined he decided to build an airplane and chose a Bushby Mustang II, an all-metal, plan-built airplane. After years of challenging work, the Mustang N21MJ was completed and became an award-winner at fly-ins across the U.S. including receiving the prestigious Wright Brothers award in its class. The airplane also provided Mike and Joan with the ability to travel. 

Mike and Joan moved to rural property in Foyil in the 1980s and after their planned retirement at age 55, they enjoyed the rural life; they raised cattle and loved gardening. They also purchased a travel trailer to attend motorcycle races, travel for Joan’s genealogy research, and enjoy traveling the USA. 

In January 2024 Mike moved to Brookdale Assisted Living in Claremore and the family thank the caring and devoted staff at Brookdale for their loving care and support. 

A private family memorial service will be held at a future date.