Rudy C. Salem

Rudy C. Salem, 91, of Sioux City passed away Friday, November 5, 2021 at his residence.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, November 12, 2021 at Holy Cross-St. Michael Catholic Church with Father David Hemann officiating.  Visitation with the family present will be Thursday, November 11, 2021 from 6:00-8:00 P.M. with a Vigil Service held at 7:00 P.M. at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.  Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.  Online condolences may be given at www.meyerbroschapel.com.

Rudy was born June 8, 1930 in Ida Grove, Iowa, the son of Ed and Sophie Salem.  He graduated from Trinity High School in 1947.  Rudy enlisted in the United States Army in 1951 and was honorably discharged in 1953.  Rudy married Mary F. Bendixen on June 11, 1955 in Sioux City, Iowa.  To this union, five children were born.  Mary preceded him in death on October 6, 2006 in Sioux City.

Rudy worked at Toy National Bank, Playtex and local radio stations. In 1965, Rudy was Personnel Director at St. Joseph Hospital for 3 1/2 years. Then was the first Personnel Director for St. Luke's Medical Center for 6 years. He then moved to St Vincent's and then transitioned to Marian Health Center. In 1983, he and Mary started Rudy Salem Employment Agency.  For 30 years he was play-by-play radio announcer for local high school & college sports for both boys and girls.  He was known for his terms, Mama Mia, Sudy Ralem & Lebanese Lovelies" and always signed off on the air with "Goodnight, Sister David whoever you are!"  Rudy also was a public speaker and emcee for various dinners & events.  He enjoyed playing golf and watching all sports.  Rudy was a member of the American Legion, Two Rivers Golf Club, and St. Michael Catholic Church where he was an usher.

Survivors include his children:  Steve Salem of Sioux City, Cathy (Dennis) Fay of Scottsdale, AZ, Mary (Dave) Edwards of Winfield, IA, Sandy (Kurt) Witte of Charlotte, NC, and Joe (Amy) Salem of Fort Wayne, IN; 12 grandchildren:  Caitlin, Jill, Sophia, John, Jeff, Sam, Jake, Grace, Sarah, Michael, Eli, and Anna; six great grandchildren; and a brother Dick (Lori) Salem of Sioux City.

Rudy was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary, and brothers:  Eli, Don, Bob, and Roy.

Memorial Contributions may be given to Trinity Heights or Holy Cross Parish, St. Michael Catholic Church in Rudy's Memory.

In the words of Rudy Salem…. “Mama Mia….What A Life!”