Tributes
Justin Thomas Dudek, 24, of Beaver, Pennsylvania, passed away unexpectedly on January 3, 2026. He was born on July 22, 2001, in Edgewood, Kentucky to Katrina Dudek (née Ruedebusch) and Thomas Dudek.
Justin lived with a fearless, adventurous spirit and a heart that loved fully. He found joy outdoors—whether golfing, fishing or riding his motorcycle and taking long rides with no destination in mind. Fishing was a passion that began at a young age, and some of his most treasured moments were spent helping his grandmother in the garden. A devoted sports fan, Justin followed the Bengals and had a lifelong love for baseball, both as a fan and as a player.
Above all else, Justin loved his family. He was a cherished son, a loyal and courageous brother, a devoted grandson, and a loving uncle who shared a special bond with his niece and nephew. His presence brought laughter, warmth, and a sense of comfort, and his absence leaves a profound emptiness in the hearts of all who knew him.
Justin is survived by his parents, Katrina and Thomas Dudek; his siblings, Ashton (Rami) and Aidan; his niece and nephew, Zayne and Zoey; his grandparents, Gail Ruedebusch, Peg and Ken Kitchen; his aunts, Karry and Gwen; and numerous extended family members who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Lou Ruedebusch.
Though his time here was far too short, Justin was deeply loved by his family, and his life left a lasting mark on all who knew him. His family will continue to share his legacy through the stories they tell, the laughter they remember, and the love they carry forward. Justin’s story lives on in them, and his memory will remain a guiding presence in their lives.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Linnemann Funeral Homes, 30 Commonwealth Avenue, Erlanger, Kentucky with a Catholic Blessing at 3:45 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Monday, January 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Erlanger, Kentucky. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Justin’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” — John 5:24
Linnemann Funeral Home Erlanger
30 Commonwealth AvenueErlanger KY 41018
Mary Queen of Heaven Church
1150 Donaldson Hwy.Erlanger KY 41018
St. Mary Cemetery (Ft. Mitchell)
Address: 2201 Dixie Highway Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017Justin Thomas Dudek
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In our prayers
To the family of Justin,
Please know our thoughts and prayers go out to each of you during this difficult time. The memories I have of him while in the JROTC Program will continue to remind me of his contributions to program, school and community. I hope you can find your own cherished memories that will help you through these days and into the future. God Bless you all.
CSM ret Gadra
Always in our hearts
“My deepest condolences on Justin’s passing. This one hits hard. I keep thinking about the way he could make me laugh — not just a smile, but the kind of laugh that breaks through whatever weight you’re carrying. I’ll never forget my first senior trip with our cadets. Justin turned that trip into a story I’ll be telling for the rest of my life. When someone needs to be lifted up, that’s the story I reach for. That’s the kind of joy he carried with him.
But when I sit quietly and really reflect, it’s his determination that stays with me. As a cadet, he pushed himself with a kind of intensity that came from deep inside — wanting to get it right, wanting to be better, wanting to honor the people he loved. He never knew it, but watching him fight for that standard gave me a blueprint I’ve used to guide so many young people since. His legacy didn’t stop with him. It’s alive in every cadet I’ve mentored, every young person I’ve pushed to give just a little more.
Justin’s legacy is woven into his family and friends — in the laughter he sparked, the stubborn strength he showed, the love he gave without ever asking for anything back. I pray that God holds you close in this heartbreak and gives you the strength to move through it. Justin was loved deeply — more than he ever realized — and that love is going to keep echoing through the lives he touched long after this moment.”
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Thinking of you
Katrina,
All of us at College Square are sorry for you loss. We are thinking of you and of you family.
With Sympathy, Nadine Druschel
Heartbroken
You have my deepest sympathies. I taught Justin in school and he had a heart of gold. I will always remember his smile and his willingness to help anyone at anytime. I’m truly heartbroken. Much love to Katrina, Aiden and his whole family.
Sympathy
I am so sorry for your loss. My name is Peggy Hamm. I am a first cousin to Gail💕🙏
Sandy Estok Lloyd
Tom, I am so sorry for your loss. Keep the memories close. I have so many memories of you and they all make me smile. Sending love.
Condolences
So, so sorry to hear of this tragic loss to your family. Sending lots of love & prayers of comfort during this time.
The Harvey Family
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