Rudolph "Rudy" Joseph Fleischhacker

Rudolph "Rudy" Joseph Fleischhacker, age 86, of West Columbia, died peacefully on Tuesday, September 27. Rudy was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on July 27, 1930 to the late Rudolph B. and Marjorie Fleischhacker. He was a high school graduate of St. Thomas Academy. He studied engineering and played football at South Dakota State before transferring to the University of Iowa, where he joined the ATO fraternity and earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics. Rudy began his first engineering job with Sylvania in Iowa. After moving to Boston, MA, he worked with Raytheon before embarking on a career in real estate. There he opened his real estate business, Eagle Realty. Rudy was very active in the 1960's/1970's real estate market in Boston and served as President of the Rental Housing Association. He was also active in the Brighton Elks and Lions clubs. Rudy and his family moved to Columbia, SC in 1977 to begin a new career in the restaurant business. He owned and operated multiple Western Steer Steakhouses throughout South Carolina, including on Knox Abbott Drive in Cayce and on St. Andrews Road in Columbia. He ended his franchise contract in 1999, and transitioned the St. Andrews store to the Hilltop Restaurant. The Hilltop remained open until Rudy retired in 2006. During his almost 30 years in the restaurant industry, Rudy was very active in the Columbia Restaurant Association, serving as President and served on the Board. His success as a restaurant operator and his involvement in community affairs prompted members of the Association to create an award for success that is named "The Rudy." Rudy was the first recipient of the award in 2005. Rudy remained retired for only two years, and in 2008, became the Property Manager at Bridgepointe Condominiums where he and Dottie lived. He loved working with the residents and managing the daily responsibilities of the position. He also earned his real estate license once again and enjoyed working with South Carolina Realty. Rudy was a passionate golfer for over 70 years, beginning as a caddie as a young boy, and developing into his regular enjoyment of the game with dear friends, especially Skeet, George, and Joe. He accomplished three holes-in-one during his lifetime and frequently worked on his goal of "shooting his age," which he was still able to do well into his 80s. Rudy enjoyed a lifetime of memories on the golf course (including Columbia Country Club and Golden Hills Country Club), and like his father, believed "you can tell a lot about a man's temperament" while doing so. Rudy's love of learning included teaching real estate courses in Boston, MA; mentoring fellow restaurateurs in SC; and donating his body to the University of South Carolina's School of Medicine Gift of Body program for the education of medical students. A lifelong believer in the Roman Catholic faith, Rudy served as an altar server, usher and lector throughout his life in various Catholic churches to which he belonged in Minnesota, Iowa, Massachusetts, and South Carolina, including St. Peter's in Columbia and Corpus Christi in Lexington. Rudy is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Dorothy (Dottie) Alexander Fleischhacker; by his six children: daughter Susan Downs (John) of Stamford, CT; daughter Sharon Wallace (Michael) of Woodbridge, VA; son Steven Fleischhacker (Joani) of Charlotte, NC; daughter Jean Fleischhacker (Haim Hassin) of NY, NY; daughter Karen Airasian (Greg) of Lexington, SC; and daughter Lori Copeland (Derek) of Charlotte, NC; by his grandchildren: Meghan Wallace Hupe (Michael); Michelle Wallace (Matt Finch); Lauren and Rachel Airasian; Ava, Lawson, Camilla and Turner Copeland; and by his great-granddaughters, Emily and Sophia Hupe. Rudy is also survived by his older brother, Richard Fleischhacker of St. Paul, MN; by his younger sister, Mary Peterson (Bob) of Austin, TX; by his half-brother Jim Fleischhacker (Ann) of Naples, FL; by his sister-in-law Amelia Tadlock (Harold) of Myrtle Beach, SC; by his brother-in-law, Jerry Smith, of St. Paul, MN; and by a host of special nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Rudy was predeceased by his grandson, Eric Fleischhacker; by his youngest sister, Kathryn Smith; and by his sister-in-law Mary Ann Fleischhacker. Rudy will be remembered most for his love of his wife, Dottie; his pride in his large family; his enthusiasm for life; and his strong work ethic. The family would like to thank SCOA, Levine Cancer Institute (Charlotte) and Palmetto Health Baptist Hospital for their care of Rudy. Rudy's life will be celebrated with a funeral mass on Saturday, October 1 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church at 2350 Augusta Highway in Lexington at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 30 at Thompson Funeral Home at 200 State Street in West Columbia from 4-6 p.m. Memorials in Rudy's name can be made to The American Cancer Society at 128 Stonemark Lane, Columbia, SC, 29210. Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.thompsonsfuneral.com.