Rudi Alfred Distler

July 15, 1961 - March 26, 2012

Rudi Alfred Distler, 50, of Holmdel, passed away Monday, March 26, 2012 at home. Born in Tunis, Tunisia, Rudi came to the US in 1967 and has lived in Holmdel for the past 16 years. He received his Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering and Economics from Stanford University, and has worked as an electrical engineer/tech staff for AT&T in Middletown. Mr. Distler was a former soccer coach for the Holmdel Stallions Soccer Club, and an avid reader, golfer, tennis player and trumpet player. He was predeceased by his father Franz Distler. Surviving are his wife Madeline Distler, daughter Katerina Distler, mother Elsbeth Distler of Germany, brother Peter Distler of Kansas City, MO, sister Gabrielle Singer of Germany, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00 to 8:00PM at the Holmdel Funeral home 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel. A funeral service will be offered in the funeral home on Saturday at 1:00PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions towards Katerina's education would be most appreciated. Your donations may be payable to Katerina Distler.

Woolley Boglioli Funeral Home

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Happy Anniversary SweetHeart. We Love you soooo much. Don't have words to let you know we are missing you very very much ;'(

Dear Uncle Rudi, It’s like an unreal dream. Sometimes I wish, I would wake up and everything would still be the same, as it was before. But in the end, you’re not here anymore and we need to move on and I know, you’re still here not in the present, but in our thoughts and heart. I need to tell you, what the most wonderful moment was that I had with you. It was at the airport in Newark Jan 2011.I was flying back home, you drove me there and I was a bit nervous, because it was the first time I went through the American security-check back to Germany alone. The line was pretty long and I didn’t know, if I had anything in my bag that would trigger the alarm. But I didn’t feel alone. Cause when I looked back, you were still standing there, with a smile, which gave me assurance, that everything would be okay. I felt save. But it’s time to let you go.I know you’re now by Opa and you’re looking down watching and taking care of us. In love, Franzi

Dear Madeline, Katerina and family, Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies on the loss of Rudi…. If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again…. This poem reminds us of our short trip to New York in 2006, the day before departure, we still had no room. Your sister Gabi has contacted you and you have given us your spontaneous hospitality and very warmly welcomed us into your home for a week. We arrived at 11 pm at the station in New Jersey, there was snow and it was very cold, and it was there only one car, and it was Rudi, we were very pleased about this reliability by people who are actually do not know us. The days in your home were very pleasant. Rudi proudly presents us his family and showed us a very nice home, and what “his” New Jersey and “his” New York have all. One morning, Madeline had to work , Rudi made us breakfast. He brought Katerina to school with the words hurry up girl, you're late, school starts in 5 minutes. When he came back and had to bring us to the train, he did so with the same words, hurry up girls, you're late, train starts in a few minutes. And he brought us, “the two ladies” (as we called from Katerina), back to the train to New York. We will never forget this wonderful time and always think of you, Andrea and Regina from Germany

Dear Madeline and Katerina, I cannot tell you how sad I am. As his brother-in-law, I was always happy when you were visiting oma and opa and us in Germany. Every visit was something special for us. The first time I met Rudi was, when he was on holiday in Germany and playing trumpet in the band I was playing. I still play in that band, also aunt Gabe. Before I married her, she told me at one time, that Rudi is a „ham“. I translated that into German „Schinken“, which is bacon in english. Meanwhile I know what a ham is, and Rudi was. When Katerina was a baby and just speaking a couple of words he tried to teach her the word „unbelievable“. Unbelievable, thats what it was for me too. Franziska, Maike and Leander will always remember you. When Rudi´s father died, Uncle Pete said, „that everything has it´s time“. I can say that „Rudi is not dead as long as one is thinking of him“. I will not forget you. I´m looking forward to seeing you both again. Alex with Familiy

Wo Worte fehlen, das Unbeschreibliche zu beschreiben, wo die Augen versagen, das Unabwendbare zu sehen, wo die Hände das Unbegreifliche nicht fassen können, bleibt einzig die Gewissheit, dass Du für immer in in unseren Herzen weiterleben wirst.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Dear Madeline, I, my wife Lorna and my son Josh, extend our deepest sympathy and condolences for your loss. We pray that God through Jesus Christ will give you and Katerina the Spirit's abundant comfort and peace.

Dear Rudi, when you hear us, keep always in your mind, that you have provided for me one the nicest times in my life when I was in the US in New Jersey 20 years ago. I always remember those good times - thanks a lot for that. I also remember our hard fights and exercises we had on the tennis courts in Dormitz, it was perfect. The only thing what we can do for you is to care of your daughter; she will be most welcome in Germany in our family when she intents to study on University in Erlangen; she can live with us in our house and we will share the same hospitality which I experienced in the US. We will never forget you. Michael and Brigitte

Regards to all in the family. I feel fortunate to have known Rudi and his stunning joie de vivre. Katerina is one lucky girl to have had such a wonderful and gifted Dad - even if for just a moment in her life. He will be missed here but somehow I can't help but think he will be smiling down on all and their continued exploits. Always, Karen Ksiazek-Wilson

Madeline, Katerina, and Family- Please accept my deep heartfelt condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I had the pleasure and honor of knowing and working with Rudi for 15+ years. He was truly a wonderful, kind, caring and brilliant individual, in addition, to being a good friend. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

I know Rudi from Bell Labs. I remember him as always smiling, energetic, eager to help. I was shocked and very saddened by this news. I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Tanju

Dear Madeline & Katerina, I have known and worked with Rudi for over 15 years and found him to be a wonderful human being. He was extremely bright, kind, and helpful to anyone that needed a helping hand. From the first time I met Rudi till his last days at the office, he executed his work with great passion and worked to complete it with excellence. He will truly be missed but his life has left a wonderful lasting impression on all of us. May God provide the family with peace and comfort as you go through this time.

Rudi was very eager to lend a helping hand when any of us at ATT labs had a question. He was very helpful in my understanding the layout of our lab and in being a good friend. My family and myself offer my deepest condolences to Rudi's family and friends. We will miss him. Raul Romero and Family.

Every time when I walked into the lab, I could find Rudi sat faithfully in the back row of the lab, dedicated himself to the job he enjoyed to do. Now the seat is empty but it will always reminds me of Rudi’s spirits and what a wonderful person he was. Rudi was a giant gentleman. He was so good at what he was doing but he was humble; he dedicated himself to his jobs but he always found time to help others; he was firm about his believes but also flexible to accept opinions from others. It was my honor of knowing Rudi, as a co-worker and as a friend.

Dear Madeline and Katerina, Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. Rudi was my mentor and good friend at AT&T. I’m grateful I had the honor of knowing him and working with him for the past 10+ years. I was lucky to get the chance to talk with him, to hug him during his last visit to the work place. I will always remember his brilliant smiles...

I had the good fortune to work with Rudi on ATM for several years and was deeply saddened to hear of his untimely death. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Rudi touched many lives and will be sorely missed.

Dear Madeline, Katerina and family, I was lucky to work with Rudy when I was at AT&T and blessed enough to call him friend. He was forthright but yet humble in his knowledge and always ready to help others. I wish you patience and strength in dealing with such a loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Liba

I will never forget you Rudi...

Dear Madeline and Katerina, I was deeply saddened to hear of Rudi’s untimely death. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I had the honor of meeting Rudi and work with Rudi on the time to market 10GE project here at AT&T. Rudi was a wonderful human being, very good and passionate about his job, kind, respectful, humble, a team player and had a good sense of humor. I will always remember Rudi’s signature warm and big smile. That was how he greet me every time I walked into the lab or talked with him on the phone. Rudi touched many lives and will be sorely missed.

Madeline and Katerina, Rudy was my mentor and friend at AT&T. He was someone you instantly liked. His smile and optimistic outlook were some of his wonderful characteristics. I am glad I knew Rudy and will miss him. He was a bright star at AT&T and will continue to shine in the heavens.

Rudi, Was a good friend, hi is gone but he will always be remember for his goodness, I will miss you Rudi. Carlos

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Dear Madeline and Katerina, I knew and worked with Rudi for 15 years at AT&T. We tested together for many years. Rudi was the most selfless person I have had the pleasure of working with. He was always there to explain complex things in such a way that even I could understand them. However, my most vivid memory of Rudi is not at work, but across the street at Tatum Park. The Monmouth Cty. Parks Dept. has a Mountain Bike Race in Tatum Park every year. I ran into Rudi riding his bike in Tatum Park one Saturday while I was training for the race. I told Rudi about the race and he said he’d love to give it a try. He arrived race day on his hybrid bike (which had many, many miles on it) after having ridden over from his home. He rode well and even though neither of us won (not by a long-shot) we both had a great time and made plans to do it again. Unfortunately for us all those plans will not take place. Rudi will be greatly missed. He was a heck’of a guy. Gary McCallister

Dear Madeline and Katerina, I’m truly saddened by Rudi’s death. My deepest sympathies to you and your extended family for this tragic loss. I had the honor of working with Rudi for over 15 years at AT&T and feel extremely privileged to have been associated with him. Rudi was more than just a colleague, He was a good friend, an amazing human being and very passionate about everything he did. His passing will leave a void in our lives at work and everyone who knew him. Rudi’s memory will always remain deep within my heart and He will be greatly missed. Stay Strong.

Mrs. Distler and Katerina, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers go out to you both.

Dearest Madeline, Katerina and family: Danielle and I express our deepest sympathy. I was lucky enough to work with Rudi from the very beginning of his Bell Labs career. He was a pleasure to work with as we learned together. We also enjoyed our leisure activities where he demonstrated his usual vigor and humor. We were blessed with knowing him! Phil and Danielle

Madeline and Katerina - may the blessings of the lord hold and keep you in this most difficult time. Your family has been very special to me during my time coaching & teaching here in Holmdel. Nothing expresses how grateful I am to have known Rudi. I enjoyed our times at track meets and I will miss the conversation and that smile. He always made me feel special and I was to have known him. God bless you both

Rudi was a pleasure to work with and I offer my condolences to his family.

Dear Mrs. Distler and Katerina, it breaks my heart to hear this sad news. Please accept my deepest condolences. I went through the very same experience six years ago... Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Madeleine and Katerina, Although I met Rudi when he was very sick, I am grateful I had the opportunity. Even then I could feel his calm, loving strength. This will be a difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

I fell very sorry about the loss. Take care of yourself.

Dear Madeline & Katerina, As expressed in the many messages here and the many more yet to come, Rudi made a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was truly a remarkable person and will be missed by myself and all who have known him. May you find comfort in knowing the multitude of wonderful memories Rudi has given to his friends and family. He will always be remembered...

Dear Madeline and Katerina, please accept my deepest condolences with your tragic loss. May god provide you strength during these difficult days. I had the honor of working with Rudi for the past 15+ years - from his days during ATM. He is one of the nicest, warm, intelligent and fun loving person that I know. We exchanged great deal of info regarding kids, Allergies, soccer, school and of course work too. His diligence to work and attention to details was amazing. I was looking forward to working with him on our next set of problems when I received the news – it is shocking. He was my dear friend and we will miss him. It is a great loss not only for the family but to us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Sis & Katerina, No words to express in this difficut times. Rudi was a great bro-in-law always, kind hearted and very helpful as always....we will miss him. Both of you will be in our prayers Sis. May His Soul Rests in Peace. From all of us, Apa & Ami, Poly, Bida, Kerry, Hinnant Kagawa & family Ken, Timothy, Mariana Dia Empeni Indai Edoi & family Donald Lawan & family Mang family, Bawang Assan Indai Siti family, Bintulu, Bawang Assan Bida's family from Saratok

Dearest Madeline and Katerina We send our heart felt condolences at this very sad time. Our thoughts are with you. Love Peter and Sue

Dear Madeline and Katerina, Please accept my deepest condolences from the Viegas Family. Rudi was an exceptional man - smart, kind, dedicated, and always willing to give a helping hand. It was great working with him, but most important it was truly an honor to have him as a friend. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. May God bless his sole and give strength to his family and loved ones left behind that need endure this irreplaceable void.

Dear Madeline and Katerina, My prayers and condolences are with you.Call me if you need anything. Love, Donna Yetman

While others have already noted it, this bears repeating ... having known Rudi is truly a blessing, and he will be deeply missed. It was an honor and a pleasure working with him. Please accept my condolences, and know that the thoughts and prayers of many are with you in this difficult time.

Madeline and Katerina my heart goes out to you at this difficult time. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Betsy Bane

Madeline - my love and prayers are with you. Please know you and Katrina are surrounded by love and support, Selamat, Barbara

I did not know about Rudi's illness and was completely shocked when I heard yesterday about the tragic news. I still cannot talk about Rudi in a past tense. It is almost impossible to think about the AT&T Labs without Rudi. I knew Rudi for many years and was fortunate to consider him my friend. Rudi's gentle style, his high professionalism, his kindness, his generosity in sharing his expertise with others made him always one of the most favorite people in any organization he worked in. Dear Madoline and Katherine, please accept my deepest condolences with your tragic loss. I cannot find words to express my deepest sorrow. I will always remember Rudi.

I had the honor working with Rudi during my days at AT&T. I remember him as some one who is very approachable, very helpful and very kind human, in addition to his exceptional technical skills. He always kept his calm and humor through thick and thins and maintained very respectful intercation among colleagues. He will be deeply missed and I will always remeber him as one of my very good friends and a person that I knew and admired. May God bless his soul and give patience to his family.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Dearest Madeline - My heartfelt condolences to you & your daughter. You are in my thoughts & prayers. Shirley

Please Accept my deepest heart felt condolence. Rudi was a great father, husband, friend and mentor. I worked with Rudi while I was at AT&T. Rudi was an amazing person and a good friend and mentor. He always took the time to explain and teach me tough technical concepts. He was a good engineer, one of the best I have ever worked with. Rudi and I shared a passion for soccer and german cars and we always planned to watch world cup matches in the lab, when we could! I will always miss him!

Dear Madoline and Katerina, Marty, Daniel and I are thinking of you at this most difficult time. We are deeply saddened by your loss.

My Dear Friend & Colleague Rudi, I am deeply saddened but I take comfort you are peacefully resting in a better place - and free of pain and suffering. Your AT&T family will so miss you. You showed great fortitude and strength and I cannot forget the beautiful smile on your face. Yours, Tushar

Maddy & Katerina My thoughts and prayers are with you. Call me if I can do anything to assist. We all love you very much. Etta

Please accept my heart felt condolence. Rudi was a very nice and kind man. May his Soul rest in perfect peace. No more suffering or sicknes

Dearest Distler Family, I cannot express in words my deepest sympthies for your loss. May god be with all of you during this time. Kind Regards, Carl Bodine

My condolences to Rudi's family and friends. Working with Rudi was always a great pleasure and experience. We enjoyed some great rounds of golf when the opportunity came to us. While sharing these times it wasn't unusual for Rudi to talk of the joy he had with his family.

As a new AT&T Executive Director, Rudi was the first one I promoted to DMTS/LMTS/Tech C. It was also my first performance review with this team and at this level. I was impressed with his passion and focus in areas he believed in. Before my time, my understanding is he could be a little too passionate:-) But I always saw him as being professional and effective and well respected by all. I know he was passionate with his personal interests - golfing, driving and his family. I will miss him alot! He was taking from us all much too early!

Rudi was one of my housemates at Stanford, 1984-1985. I have so many good memories when I think back to that time. I remember things like Half Moon Bay, French Fries and Gravy at the Creamery, and watching international tennis matches at strange hours. What a soft warm heart Rudi had! I and many others were blessed by knowing Rudi, and are better for it.

I will miss Rudi's warm smile and great disposition every time I saw him at work. He's a wonderful person and I will miss him.

Rudi’s lasting impact on me was that of how kind and humble of a man he was, a true example and model. That selfless demeanor resulted in leaving a positive impression on everyone he meet. Even if the interaction was brief with Rudi, you couldn’t help but like him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear grieving family, My wife and I are very sorry for your tremendous loss and would like to express our condolences to the entire family. We cannot imagine the great pain and sorrow you are experiencing during this most difficult time. When we lose someone we love so dearly, we are left with a very strong desire to see that person again. It's wonderful to know that God has promised we will see our loved ones who have fallen asleep in death. John chapter 5 verses 28 and 29 gives this wonderful reassurance: "Do not marvel at this because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life." What a marvelous hope! Once again we wish to express our condolences to the family. And although we cannot erase the pain and sorrow you are feeling, it is our hope that this can give you a small measure of comfort.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.