Lifelong Lutherans Leave Legacy for LSSI

John and Liz Rudy

As lifelong Lutherans, John and Liz Rudy were taught from a young age the importance of giving back to their communities. The Downers Grove residents and members of Grace Lutheran Church in River Forest have supported LSSI for many years, and that rich relationship prompted them to remember LSSI with an undesignated bequest in their estate plan.

“We’ve always tried to find ways to support our community through Lutheran-sponsored organizations because we feel strongly about the tradition of Lutheran giving and social service,” said John, chair of LSSI’s Board of Trustees. “It’s logical for us when we do our estate planning to include LSSI.”

When he was working for BMO Harris Bank, John served three terms on LSSI’s board as chair of the finance committee and provided an important perspective for LSSI leadership as a corporate executive. Upon completing a third term, he took a break for several years until he was asked to step in as chair last year.

Liz worked for many years and has always been an active volunteer. “Most of my support of LSSI has been at the congregational level,” said Liz. “When we were members of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Downers Grove, I was particularly active with women who are members of LSSI’s Women’s Network. We supported LSSI’s Get on the Bus Program and other programs.” Liz continues to help out and support LSSI through network activities.

“Because we are blessed by having enough in our lives, we are compelled to engage in estate planning and be good stewards of our resources,” said John. “To make a bequest is a fairly simple thing for people to do. We know that LSSI will use any future gifts to best serve its clients.”