HEIDEBRECHT, Rudolph “Rudy”

RUDOLPH “RUDY” HEIDEBRECHT 1932 ~ 2025 Pastor Rudolph “Rudy” Dietrich Heidebrecht, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Mary Heidebrecht, passed away at Sunny South Lodge on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at the age of 93 years.
Rudy was born in Linden, Alberta on May 23, 1932, and was the sixth child of Peter and Elizabeth (Dirks) Heidebrecht’s ten children. The family moved to Coaldale in 1947, where Rudy attended Alberta Mennonite High School, graduating in 1952. A sportsman at heart, he excelled in softball and hockey.
Rudy continued his studies at Coaldale Bible School, followed by the Mennonite Brethren Bible College in Winnipeg earning a Th.B. This was followed by studies at Waterloo Lutheran University where he received a B.A. in 1958.
While in Winnipeg, Rudy met and married Mary Fast from St. Catherines, Ontario in 1958. They moved to Hepburn, Saskatchewan, where he taught at Bethany Bible Institute for 16 years. This is where they nurtured and raised their 4 children: Phil, Ken, Wes and Marilyn.
In 1974 Rudy and Mary accepted a call to pastor the Coaldale MB Church, faithfully serving the congregation for 22 years until their retirement in 1996. Rudy’s years in Coaldale were marked by deep friendships and a strong sense of belonging within both the church and the wider community. Fondly known as the Walking Pastor, he and Mary were embraced as dear friends and neighbours. The friendships formed during these years were deeply treasured right up to his passing.
After retirement, Rudy and Mary continued to serve in interim pastoral roles in churches in Linden, Vauxhall, and Grassy Lake. Rudy treasured his family deeply, finding immense joy in their gatherings and celebrating their milestones. The annual Heidebrecht Reunion in Waterton became a cherished tradition. Friendships were also valued, often sharing laughs and conversation over a cup of coffee. In his last years, Rudy resided at the Sunny South Lodge in Coaldale, where he continued his lifelong passion for reading his Bible and found great joy in singing hymns.
Rudy was predeceased by his wife Mary (2016); parents Peter and Elizabeth; siblings Erica, Lillian, Hilda, Anne, John, Victor, and Herb.
He is survived by his children Phil (Mia) and their children Tessa and Joshua; Ken (Kathy) and their son Kristopher; Wes (Mona) and their children Nicola, Jacie, and Taryn; and Marilyn. He is also survived by his siblings Betty Hall and Harry (Margaret), as well as brother-in-law George Litke, sister-in-law Linda Heidebrecht, and Mary’s sister Margaret Fast, brother Dan Fast, sister-in-law Holda Fast, and sister-in-law Betty Fast.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 8:00pm and 9:00pm on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPELS, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
There will be an opportunity for a viewing at 12:00pm on Friday, July 11, 2025 at the COALDALE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH, 2114 – 18 Street, Coaldale, Alberta.
A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, July 11, 2025 at the COALDALE MENNONITE CEMETERY.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, July 11, 2025 at the COALDALE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH, 2114 – 18 Street Coaldale with Pastor Gary Burke officiating.
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.