Rudolf G. Rosenquist, born Dec. 17, 1924, a native and lifelong resident of Fairhope, died Monday, March 1, 2010.
He was an artist, sculptor and military historian.
He spent his youth on the bluffs and in the gulley’s of Fairhope. He loved nature; he spent a great deal of time on the water, and in the woods. He especially loved sailing his boat, The Mako. He was a longtime member of Fairhope Yacht Club, serving as Rear Commodore in years past.
When he was 14, he ran away from home, forged his mother’s signature and entered The Maritime Academy in St Petersburg Fla. He trained on the Joseph Conrad, one of the last tall ships used as a training vessel in the Academy. When the forgery was discovered, he was sent back home to Fairhope.
He joined the Marine Corps during World War II, serving with the Marine Raiders in the South Pacific. During this time he was awarded two purple hearts while defending his Country.
After returning home, he finished school at Fairhope High School, where he created the original drawing of the FHS Pirate mascot. He attended the University Of Alabama School of Art. He served in law enforcement, working for the ABC Board until his retirement.
During his adventurous life, he traveled extensively. He was the curator of The Marine Raider Museum in Richmond Virginia. He also served as president of The Marine Raider’s Association.
He co-authored “Our Kind of War” a book detailing the saga of the Marine Raider’s during World War II. He also was the artist who created The Baldwin County Seal, which is on all County vehicles, and historical homes in Baldwin County.
Survivors include his wife of 24 years, Marian Boone Rosenquist of Fairhope; step-daughter, Gina Myers (David) McMellon of Fairhope; and two granddaughters, Amelia and Louisa Whitmire of Fairhope.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 6 at The Fairhope Yacht Club. A Marine Corps Color guard will present colors at 2 p.m.
The family requests memorial donations be made to U.S. Marine Raider Foundation, c/o Robert A. Buerlein, U.S. Marine Foundation, 4430 Menokin Road, Richmond, VA 23225
Arrangements are by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., Fairhope.
