Rudolph "Rudy" Valesano, 79, went to Heaven on January 21, 2011, at Northstar Health System, Iron River, Mich. Rudy was born on December 24, 1931, in Wakefield, Mich., son of the late Anton and Mary (Landretti) Valesano. He graduated from Wakefield High School in 1950. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1952. Thereafter, he received his Education Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, and later earned his Masters Degree from Northern Michigan University. He taught school in Marenisco, Mich., for two years before beginning a teaching career at Crystal Falls (Forest Park) in 1961. Rudy coached JV basketball and was a long time Assistant Varsity Football Coach. In 1986, following a successful coaching career which included two State Championships (1975 & 1976), he was inducted into the State of Michigan High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame. His style of teaching/coaching was admired and respected by his students and athletes who were also very special to him. Rudy was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for trout fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed picking mushrooms, leeks and berries. Rudy's Italian heritage was most evident in his kitchen where he prepared many meals for family and friends to enjoy. His greatest love for the outdoors was spending time at camp, where he enjoyed many fall days. It was no secret that his family was the most important part of his life. Rudy is survived by his children: Mark (Linda) Valesano and their children Marci , Toni, and Christian; Corinne (Chris) McNamara and their children Katie, Chrissy, and Thomas; Gerard (Christine) Valesano and their children Mick and Maria; Joy (Tom) Stachowicz and their children Josh and Niki Aberly, Jessica and Jacob Stachowicz; Marla (Eric) Shamion and their children Jordan, Danica, Lacey, and Bristol; and LuAnn Valesano and her son Michael. He is also survived by his brother Eugene "Mick" (Sue) Valesano and his sister Virginia (Bob) Cicero along with many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Tuesday, January, 25, 2011, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal Falls. Prayers will be recited Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Visitation will also be held Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home. Prayers will be offered Wednesday, 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home. The Memorial Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, Crystal Falls. Fr. Jeffrey Kurtz will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Crystal Falls. Rudy's grandsons will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to contribute to an athletic scholarship to be established in Rudy's memory. You may light a candle in rememberance of Rudy or leave a condolence to his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com The Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home of Crystal Falls is serving the family.