Rudiak, Gertrude, 1915-

Gertrude Rudiak was born August 2, 1915 in North Dakota to Russian immigrants. She grew up in Wisconsin until 1924. That year, her family drove to California via the Yellowstone Trail. Her father had a chiropractic practice in Los Angeles, California. After Rudiak earned a music degree at the University of California at Berkeley, she attended a business college, and she got a job as a social worker in northern California.

In 1942, Gertrude met and married George Rudiak. George’s military commitments at that time brought the couple to Las Vegas Gunnery School (now Nellis Air Force Base). At the end of George’s tour of duty in 1946, they decided to permanently reside in Las Vegas. The couple had five children: daughter Geri Rentchler and four sons, Andrew, David, Richard, and Arthur Rudiak.

Over her long life, Gertrude embraced many positions on community boards, including being Temple Beth Sholom’s first female board member. She was also a teacher in both secular and Jewish education. Her efforts have been recognized by the Jewish National Fund, the United Jewish Appeal, and the Anti-Defamation League.

Additionally, Mayor Carolyn Goodman presented Gertrude with the distinguished honor of a key to the city of Las Vegas in 2014. The city declared August 2, Gertrude's birthday, Gertrude Rudiak Day in recognition of her long-standing commitment to Las Vegas.