Rudolph Bilgri 78, of Orangeville, IL passed away on October 29, 2021, at St. Anthony's Hospital in Rockford, IL. He was born on December 7, 1942, in Monroe, WI, the son of Joseph Sr.  and Anna (Hummel) Bilgri. He married Sandra Foulker on February 1, 1964. After high school he went to a trade school at Universal Trades in Omaha, NE. After graduation he worked for the IC railroad out of Freeport as a brakeman in 1963. Eventually he went to school and became a locomotive engineer, which he was until he retired after 32 years on the job. Rudy was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He always enjoyed spending time with family and going to the grandchildren's events. He enjoyed going to the Oshkosh Air Show with his brother Dave and going to the gambling boat with his brother Alois. He was very proud of the experimental home-built plane that he built from scratch and flew. He also enjoyed going to coffee with the guys at Boco, breakfasts with high school classmates and railroad buddies. Even though he worked off the farm, the farm was his passion and he liked to work in the shop.

He is Survived by his wife of 57 years Sandra of Orangeville, two sons Greg (Naleta) and Jason both of Orangeville; two grandchildren, Alyson (Joshua) Harbaugh of Dubuque, IA, and Ethan (Air Force, deployed); Three brothers, Alois (Carol) of Scales Mound, IL, Bernie of Olympia, WA, and Dave (Jan) of Beaver Dam, WI; Sister-in-laws Sandy Bilgri of Lena, IL and Larry Ellison (Dave) of Cave Creek, AZ; also, many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Albert Bilgri and Joseph Bilgri Jr. Sister, Gertrude.

A private family service will be held.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2021  1:00-3:00pm. for friends and family at the Beltline Café in Freeport Illinois.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com .