Leonard James Wudel, Sr., 82, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 31, 2016, at the Hospice House in Rockledge, Florida.
Jim is Survived by his wife Helen of 55 years, son Dr. Leonard James Wudel Jr., daughter Elizabeth A. Clark, and sons from a previous marriage Douglas, John, and Stephen Wudel. He is also survived by his grandchildren Sam, Harrison, and Sydney Wudel, and Matthew and Hayley Clark.
Jim was born in Central South Dakota on July 28, 1934, and attended Mitchell High School. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard C Wudel lived in Mitchell and later in Rapid City. He served two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was assigned to Germany as a Guided Missile Propellant Specialist. After service he attended The University of South Dakota where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management and Engineering.
Jim met Helen Teros, who obtained a Juris Doctorate in law at the University of South Dakota, and they were married June 17,1961 in Moline, IL shortly after graduation.
In 1961, Jim began a long career with The Aluminum Company of America, starting as a Jr. Industrial Engineer at the Davenport Iowa Works. He moved up to IE Supervisor after a few short years, and was promoted and transferred to the Massena NY Operations where he assumed the responsibilities of Area and Operations Chief Industrial Engineer. His major activities included: Massena and Eastern Alcoa area plant modernization, computerization, and major plant improvement. He also obtained a Masters of Industrial Management degree from Clarkson University while employed by Alcoa in 1975.
Jim and Helen retired to Golf in Arizona in 1992 and moved to the Nashville area in 2008 to be closer to their son and grandchildren. He and Helen recently relocated to Florida to spend their last years with their daughter and grandchildren. Jim was a caring gentleman, and was well liked by those who knew him. He will be sorely missed by his friends and family.