Rudolph "Rudy" William Krizak

Rudy William Krizak, 67, of Park Rapids, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on February 5, 2026, after a three-year battle with lung cancer.

Rudy was born in St. Paul, MN, to Rudolph (Rudy Sr.) and Madreen (Faust) Krizak and grew up in New Brighton. He attended St. John the Baptist through 8th grade, where he served as an altar boy and played hockey and football. An active and adventurous youth, Rudy enjoyed pond hockey, bicycling, snowmobiling, and downhill skiing. He graduated from Grace High School in Fridley in 1977.

After high school, Rudy followed his adventurous spirit to Alaska, where he worked in fisheries in Seward, at a lodge near Mt. McKinley, and eventually in the gold fields of Nome. While he started working for the Alaska Gold Company, he later mined independently at various locations around Nome and Council. For many years he split his time between Alaska and Minnesota. During the warmer months, he spent time mining in Nome. Winters were spent skiing in Jackson Hole, Aspen, and Vail or working with the Willmus family in Roseville.

In 1992, Rudy began dating Rita Anderson, whom he married in 1998. He remained in Nome year-round for 14 years, working as a carpenter.

In 2006, Rudy and Rita returned to Minnesota and settled on a small lake near Park Rapids. Over the next 19 years, Rudy lovingly renovated their home and spent countless hours improving the property. He was happiest outdoors, always working on a project and sharing his craftsmanship. He was “second happiest” watching the Alaska-based reality TV shows such as Bering Sea Gold, Gold Rush, and Life Below Zero.

When he wasn’t outside or watching shows about Alaska, Rudy could be found in the kitchen as he was a talented cook and baker. He was also known as a kind and attentive listener who valued hearing others’ stories far more than sharing his own. Rudy found his greatest peace in the outdoors, and his memory will live on in the lakes, trails, and wide-open places he loved so much.

Rudy is survived by his wife, Rita Anderson; sisters Deb Howard and Sandra Zupon (Ray Bisonette); nephew Andrew Krizak; and niece Kelly Davis. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Michael Krizak.

A Celebration of Life will be held July 18, 2026 at noon at Rudy and Rita’s home near Park Rapids. Friends and family are warmly invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate his life.