Rudolf G. Rosenquist

FAIRHOPE Rudolf G. Rosenquist, December 17, 1924 – March 1, 2010. Rudy lived his entire life in Fairhope.  He was an artist, sculptor and military historian. Rudy spent his youth on the bluffs and in the gulley’s of Fairhope.  He loved nature;   he spent a great deal of time on the water, and in the woods.  He especially loved sailing his boat, The Mako.  He was a longtime member of Fairhope Yacht Club, serving as Rear Commodore in years past. When Rudy was 14, he ran away from home, forged his mother’s signature and entered The Maritime Academy in St Petersburg Florida.  He trained on the Joseph Conrad, one of the last tall ships used as a training vessel in the Academy. When the forgery was discovered, Rudy was sent back home to Fairhope. He joined the Marine Corps during WWII, serving with the Marine Raiders in the South Pacific.  During this time he was awarded two purple hearts while defending his Country.After returning home, Rudy finished school at Fairhope High School, where he created the original drawing of the FHS Pirate mascot.  He attended the University Of Alabama School of Art.  Rudy served in law enforcement, working for the ABC Board until his retirement. During Rudy’s adventurous life, he traveled extensively.  He was the curator of The Marine Raider Museum in Richmond Virginia.  He also served as president of The Marine Raider’s Association. Rudy co-authored “Our Kind of War” a book detailing the saga of the Marine Raider’s during WWII.  He also was the artist who created The Baldwin County Seal, which is on all County vehicles, and Historical homes in Baldwin County.Rudy is survived by his wife of 24 years, Marian Boone Rosenquist. His step-daughter, Gina Myers (David) McMellon and two granddaughters, Amelia and Louisa Whitmire, all of Fairhope.We will celebrate a “Farewell” to Rudy Rosenquist Saturday, March 6, 2010 at The Fairhope Yacht Club, From 2-4.  A Marine Corps Color guard will present colors at 2 o’clock sharp.In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to: U S Marine Raider Foundation, in care of: Robert A. Buerlein, U S Marine Foundation, 4430 Menokin Road, Richmond, VA 23225 WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC.19698 GREENO ROADFAIRHOPE, ALABAMA 36532