Facebook | Janet Pananganan Heider

107-Year-Old Man Who Survived Spanish Flu And Great Depression Beats COVID-19

Updated September 1, 2021

An elderly Missouri man has recently conquered the novel coronavirus and has now been released from isolation just in time to celebrate his 107th birthday, 11 Alive reported.

Rudolph "Rudi" Heider, who lived through the Spanish Flu, the Great Depression, and World War Two, has officially been declared virus free after battling COVID-19 for weeks while quarantined in his nursing home.

Information about the coronavirus pandemic is rapidly changing and Diply is committed to providing the most recent data as it becomes available. Some of the information in this story may have changed since publication, and we encourage readers to use online resources from CDC and WHO to stay up to date on the latest information surrounding COVID-19.

Rudi's family had been fearing the worst for the centenarian even since he'd tested positive for the deadly disease earlier this month.

Facebook | Matthew Andrew Heider

"At 106 years old, he was weak, tired, had difficulty breathing and fighting fevers," Janet Pananganan Heider, the wife of Rudi's grandson, Matthew, said in an emotional Facebook post. "Last Friday, we got the opportunity to talk with him. Grandpa told us he wanted to die, that he had lived a full life."

She added, "We were the ones that had to be at peace with whatever decision God made."

However, Rudi kept fighting and was able to conquer the coronavirus once and for all, just in time for his 107th birthday.

Facebook | Matthew Andrew Heider

Earlier this week, Matthew and Janet were told their beloved Grandpa Rudi had been symptom free for two weeks, meaning he was officially clear of the virus.

As for what contributed to his grandfather's miraculous recovery, Matthew told 11 Alive, "I think a lot of it is definitely having a positive attitude and his mind is so active."

On April 29, Rudi's family celebrated his 107th birthday.

Facebook | Janet Pananganan Heider

"With a heart made of gold and over a century’s worth of wisdom and experiences, you are by far, the most extraordinary person we have had the pleasure of knowing," Janet wrote on Facebook. "Thank you for your continued love and support. We love you so very much Grandpa Rudi!"

"May today be a true celebration of life!"

h/t: 11 Alive, Facebook | Facebook | Janet Pananganan Heider