William Eugene Rudd was born December 24, 1922. He passed away December 20, 2019 at Pioneer Home in the Elim Care and Rehabilitation Center, Fargo. N.D.
William was the son of Robert Arthur Rudd and Randi Margaret Skauge. He grew up in Gardner, N.D. and graduated from Gardner High School. He worked on the Alaska Highway during the war years and helped build the Peace River Bridge in Canada. William married Doris Irene Jones February 13, 1945 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN.
He and Willard Jones farmed together and owned Rudd-Jones Construction. In 1962, Bill and Doris moved into north Fargo and bought into Red River Lanes Bowling Alley, and later added on the Captain’s Table Restaurant. He retired at 55 but continued to help with family farming activities. He was a devoted husband, and loved family, friends, farming, fishing and hunting. Whenever it rained, he and Willard would pack up the families and go fishing at Jones Resort, Lake of the Woods, MN. He was a jovial, fun loving, big tease, and a positive force for good. He had some colorful nicknames Bill, Willy, Lump Lump, Baboon, Gramps, Dingy and Meatball. He had a nickname for everyone else too. He was loved by all and will be immensely missed.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris, parents, brother, Robert Rudd and sister, Irene (Dolly) Summers.
He leaves a legacy of three daughters, Cheryl “Kit” (Stuart) Nichol, Wolverton, MN, Diane Peterson, Fargo, and Barbara (Leonard) Schaff, Fargo. William also leaves behind his sister, Jean Skelton, California, eight grandchildren, James Nichol (Rebecca), William Jefford Nichol, Heather (Bill) Parks, Alanna (Jordan) Waldahl, Michael (Laura Grenfell) Peterson, Scott Peterson, Christie Haymore, Jodi (Chris) Ruessir; fourteen great grandchildren, Sean (Heidi) Brekke, Jacob Weist, Sophia and Jack Nichol, Brandon Parks, Ava and Anthony Peterson, Kase and Amara Waldahl, Aedan Haymore, Ruark Ridley, Quinn Ridley, Declan Haymore, and Althea Peterson; and two great, great grandchildren, Bailey Markman-Blonigan and Riley Brekke.
Memorials may be sent to Hospice of the Red River Valley, 1701 38th St S, Fargo, ND 58103.