PlastiScope21 - November-December 2015

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F ormer Plenco employee Ralph M. Rudie, 90, of She
October 24, 2015. He worked at Plenco for 39 years, retiring in 1990 as the
Resin Department’s Quality Control Leadman.
He was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ where he served on the
church council and the church brotherhood. He loved taking pictures, golfing, bowling and keeping current with
technology on his iPhone, iPad and computer.
He and his wife LaVerne, who survives him, enjoyed traveling around the country, visiting almost every state,
camping for many years and serving as the campground host at Peninsula State Park during his retirement.
Together they volunteered with Meals on Wheels for 15 years and he also volunteered as a driver for
Sheboygan County Office on Aging.
He served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII from 1943 until 1946. He received the Victory Medal,
European-African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, three Bronze Battle Stars, and three Overseas Service Bars.
Ralph Rudie, 90, Worked at Plenco 39 Year
Led a Life of Helping Others
Ralph M. Rudie
Obituary
(Resin Department - Quality Control Lab)
By Russ Margenau | PlastiScope21 Reporter
When Tom Schwanke retired on Nov. 15th, 42 years of Plenco
experience went with him as he began the next journey in his life.
But his mark was made on dozens of Plenco employees he
trained on automatic equipment.
His career began on April 25, 1973, in the Geele Avenue plant and
wrapped up in the North Avenue plant Resin Research Department.
While it would be impossible to cou
facture or develop better methods for
138 Plenco employees he trained on the
Tom was known for his integrity in doing the job right, and he was proud
of the friends he made at work. On his last day at the company, Tom said,
“I liked the projects and seeing things advance and succeed.”
Dr. Ted Morrison of the Resin Research Lab said, “Tom is one of the
most diligent, conscientious workers I have ever seen. And he’s never been
afraid to let you know if he sees something that isn't right, and that is an asset
in anyone.”
Tom’s popular yard art will get much more attention now. After seeing high-priced art for sale that was not made that
well, he concluded, “I could do that better,” and he certainly did. He had orders from friends and family but not enough
time. Now he does. He creates “art that is priced so people can afford it and enjoy it.”
Tom’s retirement advice to all of us, “Enjoy it!” Employees who worked with him said he left them in a better state
for having been here. It will be fun to see what he all tackles next!
Past, Present & Future
Tom Schwanke Made his Mark on Employees
During 42-Year Career at Plenco