Darryl Rud
Darryl W. Rud, 80, of Waukon passed away Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at Northgate Care Center in Waukon. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 12 at 11 a.m. at Waterloo Ridge Lutheran Church in rural Dorchester with Pastor Ken Kimball officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may greet the family from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church Wednesday. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling the arrangements.
Darryl Wayne Rud was born May 9, 1943 in Spring Grove, MN, the son of Gilman and Tinka (Bergrud) Rud. He was baptized and confirmed at Waterloo Ridge Lutheran Church and graduated from Spring Grove High School in 1961, where he played football and was actively involved in FFA, serving in several leadership positions such as Chapter President, District Reporter and MN State Vice President. He received the FFA State Farmer Degree at the MN State Convention in recognition of outstanding achievements in agriculture leadership and farming programs. He was also awarded the Dekalb Agricultural Accomplishment Award.
June 1, 1963, he married Lorraine Halverson at Scheie Lutheran Church in Mabel, MN. Darryl worked for Tri-State Breeders before he and Lorraine moved to rural Dorchester, where they farmed for 50 years. They milked registered Holsteins, raised hogs, and transitioned to beef cows in the later years. In 1976, Darryl was awarded the Lutheran Young Farmer Award.
While farming, Darryl began driving bus for the Allamakee School District, which became a cherished endeavor of 41 years. He especially loved getting to know the kids on his route, driving for special activities, and later sharing their funny stories. He also enjoyed driving his Farmall H in parades and local tractor rides. Darryl and Lorraine moved to Waukon in 2018.
Darryl had a strong faith and was a lifelong member of Waterloo Ridge Lutheran Church, where he was very active in the church and on committees. He also served as the cemetery sexton for many years.
Survivors include Lorraine, his wife of 60 years; his children: Twila (Jeff) Henning of Burnsville, MN and Paul (Joanne) Rud of Phoenix, AZ; four grandchildren: Carter and Mackenzie Henning and Erin and Jack Rud; his siblings: Loren Rud, Joycelyn Rostad, Darlene Dix, Judy (Gerald) Bratland and Mark (Kari) Rud, all of Spring Grove, MN, and Lorna Myhre of Chanhassen, MN.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Dennis Rud; four brothers-in-law: Carlyn Rostad, Ron Dix, Milton Myhre and Leonard Halverson; his sister-in-law, Marcia Rud; and his niece, Dawn Rostad Burmester.
The family of Darryl thanks everyone for your prayers, words of comfort, and the many acts of kindness that have been extended during this difficult time.
Honorary casketbearer is Jim Tollefsrud. Casketbearers are Bjorn, Matthew and Jack Rud, Carter Henning, Neil Halverson and Kerry Olson.
Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
