James "Jim" Ruud

James “Jim” Ruud, formerly of Pelican Rapids, MN died on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Avera Granite Falls Care Center.

James Henry was born September 4, 1932, near Pelican Rapids, MN, the son Henry and Clara (Jensen) Ruud. He was baptized and confirmed at Pelican Valley Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids.  Jim attended the rural district school that later became the Tri-Club Center and graduated from Pelican Rapids High School in 1950. He married Anna Mae Paulson on June 17, 1956, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids

James took over the family dairy farm following his father’s passing in 1955, increasing his herd of Jersey cows until they were sold in 1986.  He then began driving school bus and later worked for the postal service as a rural mail carrier. Jim was active in church serving on the council, as a Sunday School teacher, youth leader and was a long time choir member.  He enjoyed helping the local immigrants get the items they needed for their homes. Jim loved to spend time hiking and canoeing at Maplewood State Park.  He was instrumental in starting and volunteered at the annual CROP Walk.  Jim enjoyed giving horse-drawn bobsled and hayrides to friends and family, creating fun memories for so many. Woodworking was a hobby of Jim’s and he also enjoyed running a pumpkin patch and sweet corn stand.   Most importantly, Jim was a loving & kind husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.  He loved singing hymns of worship to his Heavenly Father and faithfully prayed for his loved ones daily.    

He will be dearly missed by his daughter Naomi (Brian) Barber, Granite Falls, MN, daughter-in-law Sharon Ruud, Alexandria, MN; grandchildren: Amy (Josh) Klimek, Kristina Ruud, Daniel Barber, Jonathan Barber, David Barber, 3 great-granddaughters: Makayla, Natalie and Kassidy Klimek; and 2 sisters-in-law Marie Paulson and Amy Paulson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by his beloved wife Anna Mae; son Tim; grandson Karl Ruud, parents Henry and Clara Ruud; in-laws Chester and Agnes Paulson; sisters: Nina (Frank) Mogus, Clarice (Kenneth) Wahlstrom, Olive (Charles) Johnson, Ruby (Edward) Olson, brothers-in-law: Chester (Janette) Paulson, Allen Paulson, and Jerry Paulson.

Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 19, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church with Allen Westby, S.A.M. and Pastor Eric Schwirian officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial will be at Pelican Valley Cemetery, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota