Norman B. Rude
Norman B. Rude, 91, of Gonvick, Minnesota passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Cornerstone Nursing Home in Fosston, Minnesota.
Services will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Samhold Lutheran Church in Gonvick, Minnesota with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will be held at Samhold Lutheran Cemetery in Gonvick, Minnesota. Military Honors will be accorded by the Gonvick American Legion Post #304.
Norman was born on November 11, 1934, in Fosston, Minnesota, to Olaf and Anna (Anderson) Rude. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church and grew up in Eddy Township. He attended District 55 Country School and Clearbrook School through the eighth grade before helping on the family farm with his grandparents. At the age of 15, Norman traveled to Wolfpoint Montana where he was hired for farm work, beginning a lifetime marked by hard work, determination, and independence.
Norman proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956 at Fort Bliss, Texas for basic training, then to headquarters 36th AAA Missile Battalion in Fort George Meade, Maryland. He received advanced training to work on generators for Nike Anti-Aircraft Missile Systems. This training and education gave him the desire to become a mechanic. Following his honorable discharge, he worked in construction in Duluth, Minnesota, before returning to Clearbrook, where he worked at Lundmark Motors for more than two years.
On August 31, 1957, Norman was united in marriage to the love of his life, Rosella May Cole, at Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church north of Roosevelt, Minnesota. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and community.
The couple made their home in Gonvick, Minnesota where they raised five children. Norman established a respected career as a mechanic. Over the years, he worked at the Coop in Gully for seven years, Bagne Oil for seventeen years, Jasperson Chevy Garage in Bagley, Northern Pipeline as a heavy equipment mechanic, and NCS Repair in Clearbrook for seven years. In 1988, Norman fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening Rude's Repair Shop in Gonvick. Years later, his son Mike joined him, and they operated the business side by side. Even after retirement, the shop remained a special place where Norman could stop in, share stories, offer mechanics’ wisdom, and enjoy plenty of "shop talk." Today, the shop is proudly owned and operated by his grandson Ryan.
Norman was deeply committed to serving his community. He was a member of the Gonvick American Legion Post since 1969, a dedicated member of the Gonvick Lions Club, served six years on the Gonvick City Council, two years on the Church Council, and was an active member of Samhold Lutheran Church. His dedication to community service earned him the prestigious Melvin Jones Award from Lions International.
Norman also dedicated thirty years to the Gonvick Volunteer Fire Department, serving as Assistant Fire Chief for several years and as Fire Chief from 1994 to 1996. He retired from the department in 2002, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and service.
Norman found great joy in hunting, fishing, old cars and trucks, working with the stock car racing team on Car #99, and spending time visiting with friends and family. Whether in his shop, at the fire hall, or around the coffee table, Norman never met a stranger and always had a story to share.
Norman is lovingly survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Rosella May Rude; his children, Ronald (Donna) Rude, Teresa (Douglas) Faldet, Denise (Mark) Borseth, and Kristi (Gary) Robbins; his siblings, Wendell Rude, Larry Rude, and Karen Sjulestad; eight grandchildren, Tresha, Ryan, Cody, Nolan, Brittany, Christopher, Matthew, and Ashley; and the cherished memory of grandson Nathan who preceded him in death; and thirteen great-grandchildren, David, Joseph, Emma, Erika, Brin, Bristol, Riley, Cora, Isla, Eloise, Wells, Paul, and Jared.
He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Rude; his parents, Olaf and Anna Rude; his brother, Victor Rude; his sister, Evone Moen; and his grandson, Nathan Faldet along with many other relatives and friends who were blessed by his love and kindness.
Norman will be remembered for his strong work ethic, unwavering dedication to his family and community, generous spirit, and the friendships he built throughout his lifetime. His legacy lives on in the family he loved the community he served, and the many lives he touched along the way.
"Well done, good and faithful servant."
Matthew 25:23
Blessed be the memory of Norman Boyd Rude.