Obituary of Rudolph B. Dingelstedt

Rudolph B. Dingelstedt, 93, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Arden Courts of Wayne.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:30 p.m. at The Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home, 2122 Millburn Avenue, Maplewood, New Jersey followed by a prayer service at 5:30 p.m. Interment is private on Monday at Brig. Gen. William Doyle Veterans Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ.

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Rudy earned a degree in Automotive Engineering Technology from the General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan, and went on to enjoy a successful career as an Insurance Executive with the Motor Club of America Insurance Company.

He proudly served his country in the NJ Army National Guard for 41 years. His military career began in 1947 with the NJ Army National Guard. During periods of federalization, he served in both Korea and Vietnam. A good portion of his career was with the NJ Army National Guard, HHC, 2nd Battalion, 102nd Armor Regiment (Essex Troop), achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel. His final assignment was Battalion Commander of HHC, 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry Regiment. Rudy then transitioned as a Reserve Commissioned Officer in the US Army Reserve.  

Rudy was devoted to his community and found great fulfillment in volunteer service. He was an active member of The Seeing Eye in Morristown, where he was recognized as Volunteer of the Year in 2010 for his outstanding dedication. He also volunteered as a driver for the Medic 7 paramedic unit at Mountainside Hospital, generously giving his time to assist those in need. Rudy was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church in Maplewood where he was a Eucharistic Minister for many years. He was also a committee member of Boy Scout Troop 21 at St. Joe’s and served on the Eagle Scout Board of Review through the years.

Rudy was predeceased by his beloved wife of 32 years, Mary Ann Dingelstedt, and his sister, Rosalie Chepolis.

He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Barbara Dingelstedt; his sons, Michael Dingelstedt and his wife, Nancy, and Mark Dingelstedt and his wife, Valerie; his stepchildren, Kim DeFilippo and her husband, William, and William Cilvick and his wife, Anne; and his cherished grandchildren, Kristin, Megan, Owen and his wife Julia, Kevin, Brianne, Marc, T.J., and Justine.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Rudy's memory to The Seeing Eye (The Seeing Eye - Thank You)