Rudolph Joseph William Streng

Rudolph Joseph William “Rudy” Streng, age 89, of Hickory, North Carolina, passed away on April 19, 2026. Born on November 17, 1936, in Queens, New York, Rudy was the son of the late Rudolph Joseph Dominicus Streng and the late Greta Frercks Streng.He graduated from Wesley Junior College in Dover, Delaware, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Rudy served his country at Guantanamo Bay. Deeply patriotic, he joined the military out of love and pride for the United States. Rudy married Carol Ann Wetzel Streng at Saint Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, and they were happily married for 28 years. Together they shared a life filled with love, adventure, and mutual support.

He enjoyed a successful professional career as a Systems Analyst and Project Manager for Citicorp on Wall Street in New York and later as an IT instructor at the University of Connecticut in Norwalk. He also served on the Norwalk City Council and was actively involved with the International Student Exchange program, proudly hosting students from many countries. After moving to North Carolina in 1998, Rudy founded Eagle Ridge Builders, where he built custom log homes and received multiple accolades for his fine craftsmanship.

A lifelong enthusiast of classic British sports cars, Rudy served as National President of the Austin Healey Club of America for over five years and was a lifetime member. He was actively involved in the Austin Healey Club of the Carolinas, the Triad Club in Winston-Salem, and the Northeast Austin Healey Club, holding various offices in each organization. Together with his wife Carol and the late Paul Reed, he helped charter the Catawba Valley British Motor Club (CVBMC). He also served on the board of the BMW Festival in Greenville, South Carolina, acted as lead Austin Healey judge at Hilton Head, and participated in vintage races at Lime Rock, Virginia International Raceway (VIR), and Watkins Glen.

A man of deep and abiding faith, Rudy was a devoted member of Saint Aloysius Catholic Church in Hickory for more than 25 years, where he faithfully served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. He was also a proud Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 6451 in Hickory. Above all, his faith in God was first in his life.

Rudy was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph Joseph Dominicus Streng and Greta Frercks Streng.

He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Carol Ann Wetzel Streng; one son and one daughter, a devoted father who deeply loved and missed them very much; six grandchildren; two step-nieces and one step-nephew; and many dear brothers of the Knights of Columbus.

The family would like to express special thanks to Bob and Nancy Hall and Bryan and Kim Clark for their loving assistance and support to Carol and Rudy over the past few years.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Saint Aloysius Catholic Church in Hickory. Rosary will begin at 2:00 PM, followed by a visitation at 2:30 PM.

In place of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Rudolph Joseph William Streng and written to the care of Caring Cremations.

Caring Cremations will not be involved in the service at the church.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.caringcremations.net. The Streng family has entrusted arrangements to Caring Cremations Life Celebrations and Funerals at 828-855-3350.