Rudolph (Rudy) L Heitler, a resident of St Petersburg, Fl passed away on 3/10/23 at the age of 89. Rudy was born in Belize, British Honduras. He, his parents and sisters moved to New Orleans, La when he was 9.
He attended Louisiana State University and graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. After graduation he served in the United States Army Corps of Engineers as 1st Lieutenant. His professional career began in Baton Rouge, La where he ultimately founded the Delta Companies.
He and his wife Doris retired to St Petersburg Florida to be near the Gulf for his love of the water and walking the beach to the “Hurricane” with sand between his toes.
A devoted husband and family man, he loved his wife, children and grandchildren above all else.
Thank you lord for a beautiful life!
To all the Heitler Family,
Rudy was a real maverick and wonderful friend to all. His love for Doris and his family was expressed each and
everytime I was priviledged to be in his company. One of my fondest memories is of him and his beloved wife, Doris,
romantically dancing in the Commodores Room after dinner. Expressions and body language say it all. To Pam and Cay,
dearly loved you so much. Your dancing and singing at GiGi’s will be well remembered. He is at Peace and will
always be in our hearts and prayers. RIP Rudy.
Rudy loved the view of the bayou and his sweetheart, Doris! He was an amazingly generous neighbor who freely shared his time, interesting life stories and armfuls of sweet mangoes from his precious tree. Every time we eat a mango, we’ll think of Rudy!
Truly a life worthy of celebrating! Being with Rudy and his family was always an interesting adventure. I am so grateful to have shared in a small part of his adventures. Rudy was a wonderful mentor and had a profound impact on my life. The memories of the projects we worked on, the travels we shared together, the great parties at his home with his family, and his zest for life will always be with me. Go with God, dear friend.
Daddy,
What can I say? You were the best father one could ever have or ask for.Thank you for all your love and showing us the definition of unconditional love.
You will always be in my hearty & sorely missed. I am forever Blessed to have had you in my life.
Your loving daughter
Pamela Dell
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. My 1st cousin will be missed.
A great guy and and a good friend.
We’ve always held Rudy in the highest regard. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. The family will cherish all the wonderful memories they had with him. RIP Rudy, you will be missed.
I remember Rudy giving me the opportunity to work at Delta on some developments. We had a great time at work, and on the tennis courts. Doris I think you will remember the special times we had as SOP‘s. The infectious smile was good to see one last time.
Love to everyone.
When I arrived at LSU in the Fall of 1951, the first person I met was my newly-assigned roommate, Rudy Heitler. He was very smart, funny, energetic, irreverent in a kindly way, and we got along famously from the start. We’ve maintained that connection for the ensuing 71+ years. Rudy, his family and his precious life’s companion, Doris, taught me about old New Orleans, how to ride street cars and Mardi Gras floats and, most important, what deep friendship is all about. Later, they were there for us when my young wife struggled with terminal cancer. And over the years, Rudy continued to conduct the exemplary life and build the deep bonds that his friends and relatives will miss so much. A finer guy I’ve never known and, wherever he is, I’m sure he’s in good hands. My sympathy and love go out to his family and all who knew and adored Rudy Heitler. So long, buddy. Larry Perkins