Services for Donovan Myles Ruud
Mon, 04/11/2022 - 9:04am
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Donovan Myles Ruud passed away peacefully at his home in Middle River, MN on April 7, 2022 at the age of 69.
Funeral service for Donovan will be held 3 :00 PM on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Timothy Lundeen Officiating. There will also be a time of sharing stories and a meal at the American Legion in Middle River at 6:00 PM.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Thursday.
Burial will be held at a later date at Landstad Cemetery near Gatzke, MN.
Donovan was born on December 20, 1952 to Mylan and Lila Ruud in Roseau, MN. He grew up on the family farm in Gatzke with his five siblings. He graduated from Middle River High School in 1971, while in high school he played football, basketball and baseball.
After high school he married Jackie Anderson and they had three children, LeeAnn, Sheldon and Travis. He never missed a game, band concert or any of their activities and was always there to support and cheer them on. His love and support of his family continued throughout his life, making many trips to see his grandchildren, sometimes driving 6 hours to catch a hockey game in South Dakota or a quick trip to Minneapolis and Memphis. He loved being a grandpa and bragged up his grandkids to anyone that would listen.
Donovan co-owned Blue Sky blading with his nephew ,Justin Lunsetter. After a few years in business, Justin bought out the business and Donovan continued to work with his nephews and brother-in-law right up until the end. He loved running heavy equipment and was one of the best blade men around.
Donovan’s love of music started at a very early age. He followed in his father’s footsteps and learned to play guitar. He shared the stage with his father countless times over the years. His first band was in his early high school days playing with his lifelong friend Roger Hill. Donovan was always playing in at least one band and filled in with many bands in a pinch. His skill made it easy for him to step in and play last minute with anyone who needed him. He had the ability to make everyone around him sound better. He has played with dozens of musicians over the years, some of the bands he played in were Last Resort, Horsefeathers, Blue Rose, Saddletramp, JD Pepper, Nite Ryder, and most recently the Tami Lee band. He also loved jamming with his cousin Lee Roppe as TWO @ A TIME for special events, or even just in a kitchen somewhere!
Donovan’s kindness and generosity were endless. He mentored and encouraged many young musicians, giving them pointers, calling them up on stage to showcase them, and encouraging them. He even bought a few lucky ones their first guitars, and would teach them how to play and restring them. He gave his time and talents to many worthy causes, if there was ever a benefit for someone he was helping with organizing it or singing at it. He loved his community and he gave more than anyone ever knew, he didn’t like to take credit for many things.
His talent, kindness and sense of humor will be missed by many. He was always there with a song or a funny story to tell. Grateful to have shared in his life are his children LeeAnn (Eric) Hokenson, Sheldon (Rachael) Ruud, Candace Ness and Carly Ness. Grandchildren Tristian, Taylor, Reese, Nolan, Liam, Brody, Kamdyn, Kayson, Noah and McKenna. His mother Lila Ruud, siblings Diane (Bruce) Lunsetter, Denise (Blair) Holthusen, Dwight (Deb)Ruud, sister-in-law Vickie Ruud, and many nephews and nieces.
He is preceded in death by his son, Travis Ruud; father, Mylan Ruud; sister, Doreen Ruud; and brother, DelRay Ruud.
