Richard W. Rud - Rochester

Richard "Dick" Wayne Rud, of Rochester, passed away Saturday, May 12, 2012, of complications with cancer.

Dick was born Feb. 21, 1932, to Marietta and Melvin Rud, in Kasota. He moved to St. Peter and attended John Ireland School and St. Peter High School. He joined the armed services in 1950. He married Phyllis Ann Hoffmeister at Camp McCoy, Wis., on Feb. 3, 1951, and later moved to Rochester.

Dick was employed with Northwestern Bell for 30 years until his retirement. He was very active as a union representative for the AFL-CIO and was union president for CWA, Communications Workers of America, for many years.

Dick was very active in the Democratic party and had been a delegate to district, state and national conventions. In 1979, he and his wife were guests of President Jimmy Carter at the White House. They were recipients of the Joe Guzinski Award for recognition of dedicated and outstanding service in 1993.

Dick was involved in coaching youth football in the late-1960s and early-1970s, as well as being involved with the Boy Scouts. He was an Eagle Scout, Wood Badge chip recipient and was awarded the Silver Beaver for work with the boy scouts. He was a vigil member of Blue Ox Lodge and Order of the Arrow. He was a longtime member the Eagles, Disabled American Veterans and American Legion Post 573 in Elgin, and a charter member of the Sons of the Legion. He was a drummer in the 330rd Army Band during Korea, as well as Drum and Bugle Corps out of St. Peter and Austin.

He loved to hunt and fish and wintered in Arizona.

Survivors include sons, Steven (Monica) of Elgin, Kevin (Laurajean) of Rochester, Jay (Debbra) of Rochester; and his daughter, Normajean of Austin, Texas; three grandchildren, Curt, Angela (Brad) and Scott (Nikki); three great-grandsons, the triplets, Jaxon, Jagger and Jordan, who loved getting their $2 bills from their great-grandpa. He is survived also by his special friend, Joan Buske; a brother, Allen (Arlene) Rud; a sister, Eileen Attenberger; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Ann; parents; and grandson, Jamison Robert Rud.

The funeral service for Richard Rud will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 17, at Autumn Ridge Church in the Timothy Chapel, with Pastor Andy Kumpel officiating. Viewing one hour prior to services at the church. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, at Macken Funeral Home in the River Park Chapel.

Dick’s family requested the Bell of Honor.

Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, with Military Honors by American Legion Post 92.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com .