Rudolf Rudy Van Erkelens 77 of Chapin SC died Sunday December 22 2013 at the Sterling House at Harbison. Born on August 2 1936 in Rotterdam Holland he was a son of the late Herm Van Erkelens and Frieda Wiegel Van Erkelens. He served in the Dutch Army and was the retired owner of Thor-Chem. Rudy loved animals especially dogs and was a supporter of numerous animal causes. Rudy is survived by his wife Chris Kok Van Erkelens of Chapin; children Kirsten Van Erkelens of Irmo SC Rudy Van Erkelens of Cumming GA and Ellen Rokusek of Chapin SC; a sister Henny Teunissen of Spain; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted 1:00 PM Monday December 30 2013 at Whitaker Funeral Home Chapin by Chaplain Jim McMillan. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home of Chapin is assisting the family.