Richard Ruud

Richard T. Ruud, 76, Fargo, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on March 16, 2007, at the MeritCare Hospital Palliative Care Unit, Fargo, ND. Richard Thomas Ruud was born on February 3, 1931, in Fargo to Leonard and Eunice (Brattland) Ruud. He was baptized and confirmed at Olivet Lutheran Church. He graduated from Central High School in 1948, and attended NDSU before joining the Air National Guard. He served in the US Air Force, during the Korean War. He was a member of the American Legion for 53 years. Returning from service, Richard attended Interstate Business College. He was employed as office manager for the Peavey Fertilizer Plant in Fargo, until the plant was destroyed by the 1957 tornado. On August 3, 1957, he married Shirley Strand of Abercrombie, ND, at First Lutheran Church in Fargo. In 1969, they were blessed with a daughter, Kristin. He took great joy in supporting and attending her academic, musical, and dance activities. He was anticipating the birth of his first grandchild this May. Richard was employed by Northern School Supply from 1957 to 1984, as a salesman and purchasing agent. He was a member of Toastmasters and the Cosmopolitan service club. He retired due to his health. Throughout the years, he enjoyed many sporting activities. He played American Legion Junior Baseball and his team became State Champions in 1948. In high school, he was co-captain of the Fargo Central hockey team. Later, he played league softball. He looked forward to hunting, fishing and golfing with his friends for over fifty years. He took great pleasure in family gatherings and trips, bridge games with their potluck group of fifty years, as well as cards at the Trollwood Senior Center. He also enjoyed reading, music, and watching Twins games with his family. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of nearly fifty years; daughter, Kristin (Julio) Ruud-Diaz, North Bergen, NJ; sister, Donna Houseman, Cottage Grove, MN; stepsister, Lenore (Ken) Johnson, Alexandria, MN; stepbrothers, Duane (Carol Ann) Dahlberg, Moorhead, MN, and Francis (Mae) Dahlberg, St. Cloud, MN; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joyce Noel and step-mother, Alphid Dahlberg Ruud. We would like to thank friends, family, and pastors for their cards, calls, visits, and prayers. We appreciate the great care he was given by his doctors, nurses and their staff these past two months. Visitation: Wednesday, 5:00-7:00 in Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home. Funeral: Thursday, March 22, 2007, 10:30 at First Lutheran Church, Fargo, with visitation one hour before service. Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, ND.