Donald Ruud

Donald G. Ruud, 90, of Northwood, ND passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 20, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Ebenezer Free Lutheran Church in Northwood. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.

Donald G. Ruud was born on the family farm, rural Northwood on March 20, 1929, to Gotfred and Mabel (Burthwick) Ruud and continued to live in the same house until his death.  This family farmstead was a Centennial farm that was established in 1884.

He was baptized and confirmed at Ebenezer Free Lutheran Church in Northwood, where his funeral will be held on Monday January 20, 2020.

A life-long resident of Northwood, Don attended country school and graduated from Northwood High School in 1947. In the late ‘40’s to early ’60’s he played trumpet in a dance band with several high school friends and brother Wally. They played proms and dances throughout eastern North Dakota.  He worked for local farmers and many agricultural jobs throughout high school.  For several years he farmed with his Father.  In the 1960’s he began farming on his own, acquiring more land over time and even raising cattle for several years.  Don farmed for 40+ years.  He retired from farming in 1991, when his son Paul took over.  He continued to help on the farm after his retirement. His favorite job was School Bus Driver.  He drove bus routes for Northwood Public School for 37 years.  He enjoyed this job and loved the students. Don talked fondly of his “bus kids” and had many special memories and friends from his years as a bus driver.

On February 28th, 1953, he married the love of his life, Phyllis Gravdahl in Crookston, MN.  They had 61 ½ loving years together.  The Lord blessed them with four wonderful children.  Don and Phyllis enjoyed spending time with family and friends, attending the activities of their children and grandchildren, traveling and bingo.  Don was very proud of his family and loved God, his family and America. 

Don enjoyed the Twins, Sioux Hockey, Timberwolves and his grand daughters’ ball games.  For the last 5 years, his highlight was a Twins baseball game shared with the entire family. These gatherings meant so much to him.  They also took in a Sioux Hockey game as a family in 2016.  He also loved his class reunions and enjoyed getting together with his classmates.  Their 70th class reunion was in 2017.

Don is survived by his loving children, grandchildren and great grandchildren: Ginine “Ginger” (Mike) Voglewede, Northwood, Mitchell (Sharon) Ruud, Fargo, and DeeNelle “Dee Dee” (Cary) Stephenson, Pelican Rapids.  Grandchildren: Jenna (Joe) Zavoral , their children William and Lucy, East Grand Forks, Taylor (Casey) Wald ,their son Rory, Grand Forks, Jessica (Ben) Krause, their son Atticus, Plymouth, MN, Kristen (Sam) Schimmelpfennig, White Bear Lake, MN, Anna and Viktoria Stephenson, of Pelican Rapids, Jessica Voglewede, and her sons Evan and Easton, and a niece and several nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, wife Phyllis, son Paul, and brothers Gordon and Wallace.  Blessed be the memory of Don Ruud.  Memorials preferred to the North Cemetery, Thunder Robotics, or Ebenezer Free Lutheran Church.