Harold Rudolf Leaves Historic Gift
Merrick Foundation is humbled and grateful to share exciting news with our county: Harold George Rudolf of Grand Island, formerly of Palmer, has left a legacy gift of $1,804,788—the largest in our 65-year history.
Harold, who passed away on September 26, 2024, at the age of 95, lived a full life marked by hard work, community, and generosity. Born in Palmer on January 28, 1929, Harold was a lifelong farmer, raising hogs and black Angus cattle alongside his beloved wife, Marjorie Ann Behring, until they retired.
A U.S. Army veteran who served in Japan and Korea, Harold returned home to farm until the age of 85. He was deeply involved in his community—active in his church, serving on the Palmer Farmers Coop Elevator board, and sharing his love of singing in choirs, quartets, and solos. Even in his later years, Harold discovered a passion for turkey hunting, which brought him joy well into his 70s.
Harold and Marjorie didn’t have children, but they were especially close to many cousins, nieces, nephews, and a wonderful brother-in-law and sister-in-law. Harold treasured his friendships and shared countless good times with friends throughout his life. And of course, he loved his dogs—he had many over the years and enjoyed every one of them.
Harold’s generosity will have a lasting impact in Merrick County. Twenty-five percent of his bequest will support the Merrick County Historical Museum Endowment, while 75% will go to the Harold & Marjorie Rudolf Scholarship Endowment Fund. Per Harold’s wishes, both gifts are endowed, meaning they will continue to benefit the community forever. The scholarship fund will help students in Palmer for decades, creating a lasting legacy in Harold and Marjorie’s name.
Shauna Graham, Chief Development Officer of Merrick Foundation, recalls meeting Harold for the first time in 2019, just two weeks into her role. “I met him, along with Attorney Andy Hoffman, and we had such a wonderful conversation about how he could truly make a difference in Merrick County,” she said. “I still remember him holding our annual report, pointing out how meaningful it was that so many students received scholarships for college. He was passionate about ensuring that he and Marjorie could create that same kind of impact.”
Harold Rudolf’s life reminds us of the power of community, dedication, and generosity. His gift will touch countless lives for generations to come, and his legacy will live on in the students, the museum, and the many people whose lives he enriched along the way.
