Linda Lou (Fassett) Rudolphi

Linda Lou (Fassett) Rudolphi, 70, of Wendelin, Illinois passed away on the morning of Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at her home.

Linda was born on June 3, 1952 in Geneseo, Illinois, the daughter of Paul and Elizabeth (Bollen) Fassett. She was raised on a farm where she developed a lifelong love for horses. She married Joseph Paul Rudolphi on December 2, 1978 in Geneseo and they raised a family on a farm near Wendelin.

Linda's love for horses took her across the world; from the high plains of Wyoming to the fertile hills of Hungary, she shared her love and knowledge of horses with the world. Linda pioneered and promoted the adoption of the storied Hungarian cavalry horse genetics in the United States to improve competitive endurance racing lines. She founded Wineglass Farm in 1979 and actively raised and trained sporthorses for over 40 years. Linda competed in numerous competitions across the United States and her horses maintain a strong reputation in the equine community.

Linda actively led and promoted the Shagya and Hungarian horse breeds in the United States and internationally. She co-founded the Performance Sporthorse Registry (PShR), which just celebrated its 10-year anniversary, to promote the breeding and development of Shagya horses in the United States. She remained their Registrar and Treasurer until 2023.

Linda and husband Joe founded Rudolphi Veterinary Service in 1978; Linda managed the office and administrative duties until her retirement in 2022. Linda's entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen helped to grow the office from a back closet in the old farmhouse to a thriving veterinary clinic.

Linda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many. Linda created a wonderful home filled with special memories; she welcomed everyone into her home and enjoyed her many visits from friends and family from around the world. Her adventurous spirit, hard work, determination, and industriousness were exemplified in her many careers and passions. She loved to discover new places and meet new people.

Linda appreciated the cards, calls, messages, and well-wishes she received throughout the last 14 months as she battled cancer. She was cared for by many including the excellent doctors and nurses at Crossroads Cancer Center and Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) Hospice. She was thankful for her "bonus year" and cherished every moment.

Linda is survived by her loving husband Joseph; daughters Olivia (Zack) Rudolphi-Kauflin and Kathleen Rudolphi; son, John (Elizabeth) Rudolphi; grandchildren, Amelia and Henry Rudolphi; brother, Roger (Cathy) Fassett, many nieces and nephews and her loyal dog, Blue.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A visitation will be held for family and friends on Friday, February 24, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Wendelin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Linda at 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Wendelin.

Interment will follow the service at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorials can be made to the Clay County Cancer Crusaders or Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, PO Box 1, Donaldson, IN 46513.