Rudolph J. Plugge

Rudolph Julius Plugge passed away on Monday evening March 26, 2013, with his family by his side. He was born on the Plugge Farm near Cordova, MD, on June 6, 1916; and was the son of the late Charles Carl Otto and Augusta Asche Plugge. Rudolph attended the historic Longwoods School House (a preserved and restored one room school house) and later Cordova High School. From the early age of six, he was working alongside his father and brother on the family farm, first milking cows and running errands. Soon after, he was performing back breaking work such as plowing, planting, cultivating, and harvesting the bounty of crops from farm’s fertile soil. The Plugge farm, located on Plugge Rd, spanned 275 acres and featured a saw mill, livestock, and various seasonal crops. The farm also served as a local pioneer seed distributor. Through the years, Rudolph worked teams of horses, steam engines, and finally Oliver tractors on the farm. The family purchased and operated Talbot Counties’ first self-propelled combine, also an Oliver. On August 21, 1943, Rudolph married Mary Elizabeth Lewis. Rudolph and Mary soon were blessed with two children whom they raised on the Plugge farm until 1959. Rudolph then ventured away from the Plugge farm and moved to the Webb farm on Kingston Rd. After leasing and working the Webb Farm for seven years, the farm was sold by the owner forcing Rudolph to move out and ultimately sell his farming equipment. He loved his life as a farmer, but the lack of opportunities left him searching for other means to provide for his family. He found stable work as a Sunbeam Bread delivery truck driver. For 16 years, he drove the Sunbeam Bread truck eventually retiring in 1981. Rudolph is survived by his daughter, Robyn Plugge Marshall; his son, Lewis Julius Plugge (Sharon); his granddaughter, Cherie Marshall Wroten (Dwayne); grandson, William Raymond “Billy-Ray” Marshall IV (Nancy); great-grandsons, Kevin Brandon Gowe, Brennen Marshall Wroten; great-granddaughters, Laney Mary and Briah Dale Marshall; and 11 nieces and nephews. He is preceded by his wife, Mary Lewis Plugge; his siblings, the late Arthur Louis Henry Plugge, Margaret Plugge Pahlman (Charles), Alma Wilhelmina Plugge, and his son-in-law, William Raymond “Ray” Marshall III (Robyn). Rudolph enjoyed weekly fellowship with his friends that usually included eating, exploring the countryside (farming in the car), playing cards, and shooting pool. He also enjoyed watching America’s favorite pastimes, baseball, and professional wrestling. Rudolph was a member of the St. Marks United Methodist Church in Easton, MD, and the Farm Bureau. He was known for his gentle nature and his active lifestyle. His endurance was admired by all who knew or met him. He lived independently including cutting his own grass up to the age of 94, driving himself, and living in his own home unassisted at the age of 96. He was an inspiration to everyone he met during his long and wonderful time on earth. He was a loving man who never missed an opportunity to spend time with family. “Pop Plugge” as he was affectionately referred to by all of his grandchildren, was deeply loved by his family and friends and will be missed immensely. Funeral services will be held on Saturday April 6, 2013, at 11 a.m. at the St. Marks United Methodist Church, 100 Peach Blossom Rd in Easton, MD, with a viewing one hour prior. Burial will be at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Easton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Talbot Hospice, 586 Cynwood Drive, Easton, MD 21601, in Rudolph’s honor.

Rudolph J. Plugge

June 12, 1916 - March 25, 2013