Dennis L. "Rudy" Etling

Dennis L. “Rudy” Etling, 79, of Belleville, IL, born Sept. 6, 1945, in Belleville, IL, died Friday, August 22, 2025, at his home.

Dennis was a retired coal miner. He was an avid bowler and in the bowling Hall of Fame. Dennis was an avid sports enthusiast and an infamous local umpire. He loved classical music and musicals. Dennis was a member at St. John United Church of Christ in Mascoutah, IL and the United Mine Workers of America. He was a United States Army Vietnam War veteran.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Oliver J. W. and Beatrice V., nee Knemeyer, Etling, his beloved wife, Judith A., nee Moake, Etling who died on July 3, 2005, brother, Jeffery Etling, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles and Georgia Moake, and two brothers-in-law, Charles “Eddie” Moake Jr. and Gregory L. Moake.

Dennis is survived by his daughter, Nicole (Kevin) Kueker; son, Richard (Melanie) Smith; grandson, Austin Smith; brother, Terry (Lynn) Etling; brother and sisters-in-law, Joan Moake and Ward (Penney) Moake; his loving cats, Samson and Mickey; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and friends.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 5 Schiber Ct., Maryville, IL 62062 or Belleville Area Humane Society, 1301 S. 11th St., Belleville, IL 62223. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting mollfuneralhome.com

VISITATION: From 10 AM to 12 noon Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, at Moll Funeral Home in Mascoutah, IL.

FUNERAL: A funeral service will be held at 12 noon Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, at Moll Funeral Home with Rev. Cherie Hambleton officiating. Burial with Army military honors will follow in Mascoutah City Cemetery in Mascoutah, IL.