Rudolph “Rudy” Berthold

Rudolph “Rudy” Berthold, age 82 of Green Valley, AZ formerly of Hibbing, MN passed away January 19, 2026 in Tucson, AZ. Rudy was born in a displaced persons camp in Linz Austria, on August 29, 1943 to parents Franz “John” Berthold and Anna (nee Blazevic) Berthold. Rudy's early life was marked by the struggles faced by many following the harrowing events of World War II. In 1952, at the age of 8, Rudy and his family immigrated to Hibbing, Minnesota, as “Displaced Persons” with the help of the Catholic Church and the John Butorac family. He graduated from Hibbing High School and attended Hibbing Community College.

Rudy met the love of his life, Roberta Gambucci in 1959 when they were 15 at the Brooklyn Skating rink. They were married in 1963 in Santa Barbara, CA and had their first child, Gina, there in 1964. After Returning to Hibbing in 1966 to be closer to parents and grandparents their second child, Brendan was born in 1968.

Retiring from Hibbing Taconite in 2005, Rudy and Roberta moved to Green Valley, AZ where he became a Realtor and was active until his passing. While in Hibbing Rudy also worked at Gambucci Hardware and was co-owner of Enchantwood Gifts and Collectibles.

His interests included music especially guitar and rock and roll music from the 1950’s and 60’s, and he played guitar himself. He also enjoyed traditional Tumburica music that his father played. In his senior years he learned to paint with watercolor and acrylics. Rudy also was a faithful Vikings fan his whole life. He will be remembered as a true humanitarian, with compassion and empathy for all humans and animals.

Rudy is survived by and sadly missed by his wife Roberta Gambucci Berthold of Green Valley, AZ; children Gina (Pat) Dougherty of Side Lake, MN, Brendan (Holly) Berthold of Yuma, AZ, brother Frank (Reenie) Berthold of Eden Prairie, MN, sister Sandy (Yuriy) Harmaz of Benson, AZ and grandchildren: Dr. Devany (Cody Gorman) Dougherty, Damon Dougherty, Lilly Doughtery, Dr. Isabella Dougherty and step-grandson Solomon Jones. great grandchild Raya. Nephews Grant Berthold and Sam Berthold and Gordon Vossen. His fur babies Carlos, Stella and Hattie. Preceded in death by his parents John and Anna Berthold and sisters Maria Berthold and Ludmilla Berthold and in-laws Frank and Ilene Gambucci.

A private burial is planned at Maple Hill cemetery in Hibbing, MN and a celebration of life gathering will take place at a later date.