Sheldon Rud, 76, Center, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2016, with his family at his side.
A funeral service will be held at 10 am on Friday, May 6, 2016 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Center, with Reverend Dennis Ristvedt officiating. Burial will be at St. Martin Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 pm on Thursday, May 5, 2016 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Center, and continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.
Sheldon was born August 18, 1939, the first of two sons to Henry and Louise (Ollermann) Rud of New Salem. Always an avid sports fan, he excelled as an all-state football and basketball player at New Salem High School in the mid 1950’s. It’s also the time when he and his younger brother, Curtis, were introduced to the Rud Oil family business. Upon graduation from high school, Sheldon went to the west coast where he completed coursework to become an aviation mechanic at Boeing.
Sheldon loved his hometown and his home state. He returned home where he met Barb Sasse from Hazen. They were married on January 2, 1961 and started their family in New Salem. Sheldon went to work for his father, learning the ropes as a young Standard Oil agent. A few years later, Sheldon and Barb moved 25 miles north to Center where Sheldon was offered the agent position in that area. It was in Center that the family put down roots for the next 49 years and Sheldon Rud and the Rud Oil name became synonymous with the city of Center.
Sheldon was involved in many organizations in the Center area and supported too many programs to mention. He had a particular love for the kids and sports programs at Center-Stanton High School. For many years, he was a fixture in the gymnasium doorways or a spectator parked on the hill watching football or baseball. Most importantly to Sheldon, his customers were his friends and he built a company reputation and credibility on that belief. He spent most of his life watching out for the less fortunate and lending a hand or financial support to anyone in need. He was truly a kind and gentle man. His family was served with the greatest example of God’s call of “Whatsoever you do for the least of my brothers, that you do unto me”. Everyone was welcome in his home and business. Sheldon was a devout listener of the Lutheran Hour every Sunday morning and Old Time music every Sunday afternoon. Sheldon enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Sheldon never really officially retired. He sold his business to his son, Gus, several years ago, but always remained involved in some form. He took great pride in watching his sons and nephews expand the footprint of Rud Oil throughout western and central ND and was very proud of Rud Oil celebrating its 100th Anniversary this spring.
Blessed to have shared his life is his wife of 55 years, Barb Rud, Bismarck; one daughter, Michelle Pelerine, Bismarck; two sons, Mike Rud (fiancée, Mary Nagel), Bismarck and Gus (Sharon) Rud, Center; eight grandchildren, Abbey (Justin) Beutler, Jill Pelerine, Brittany (Tylone) Jasper, Whitney, Mykle, Macy, Micaela, and Madison Rud; three great grandchildren, Kylie Quandt, Elijah Pelerine, and MaKenna Gonzales; sister-in-law, Annette Rud, New Salem; and three nephews, Jay Dee, Scott, and Brent Rud.
Sheldon was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Curtis.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that financial contributions be made to the Center-Stanton High School Athletic Boosters, the Assumption Abbey in Richardton, or Churchtown Renovation fund, three causes very close to Sheldon’s heart.