A search for tournament angler Rudolph “Rudy” Wozney of Arcadia, Wis., ended tragically Sunday when his body was found at Wisconsin’s Lake Onalaska, where he was reportedly practicing alone for an upcoming event. Wozney was registered for the Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League Great Lakes Division tournament scheduled for Saturday.
A search for Wozney, 48, began late Friday afternoon after his boat was found floating on the lake unattended. According to a La Crosse Tribune article, Wozney’s body was found at about 12:40 p.m. on Sunday approximately 300 yards from where his boat was recovered.
Wozney, an FLW Outdoors member, was an avid bass angler who fished many tournaments including EverStart Series and Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League events. He was currently fishing the EverStart Northern Division and the BFL Great Lakes Division.
Between 2000 and 2001, he racked up eight top-10 finishes as a co-angler in BFL Great Lakes Division events including three tournament wins. He qualified for the BFL All-American championship and placed 41st in 2002.
Bill Wozney, Rudy’s nephew and fellow fisherman, said: “I wanted to mention that my uncle, Rudy Wozney, who was a member of the FLW for years, passed away on Friday, June 13th. He drowned prefishing for the FLW tournament in La Crosse, Wis. Rudy loved to bass fish and thought the FLW was a class organization. He was fortunate enough to have been at the national tournament in Alabama this past February or March, I believe. It is unfortunate that my uncle passed at the age of 48, but he left this world doing what he loved, bass fishing.”
Wozney’s death was ruled an “accidental drowning,” according to a press release from the office of the La Crosse County Medical Examiner. In conjunction with the La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office, the medical examiner conducted “a complete and thorough investigation” of the incident including an autopsy that took place Monday. The medical examiner stated that Wozney had no medical problems.
A Mass of Christian Burial has been planned for Wozney at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Holy Family Parish in Arcadia, Wis. The burial will be at St. Stanislaus Cemetery.
Visitation takes place today from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Wozney Funeral Home in Arcadia, Wis., with an 8 p.m. prayer service. Another visitation period is scheduled for 8 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
The June 21 BFL tournament, occurring on the Mississippi River near La Crosse, Wis., will take place as scheduled.