Donald Aden Rud

Donald Aden Rud, age 81, passed away on Tuesday August 20th, at St. Mary's Hospital surrounded by his wife and family. He drifted off into eternal sleep knowing his family was with him, that they loved him and would miss him, but it was ok to let go. 

Donald was born on August 5, 1943. He was the oldest of eight children, born to Aden and Leola Rud. He grew up in the country near Salem Corners and graduated from Byron High School. Those who knew him well called him Donnie. 

Donnie started his career in trucking at the age of 14 years, by working for his father, Aden. At this young age, Donnie rode along on many trips, hauling livestock to St. Paul, often with just his mother Leola, who assisted driving trucks when needed. 

After graduation, he worked for a short time at Donaldson Underground in Dodge Center. He also worked as an elevator operator at the Kahler Hotel, which he often told stories about. On March 26th, 1971, he married Linda Loecher of St. Ansgar, IA. They made their home in Rochester and Donnie went to work for Rochester Sand & Gravel and Rochester Fertilizer Company.

He worked hard, and eventually was able to buy his own truck and established his own business. After many years, this became Donald Rud & Sons. Along the way, his company hauled many different commodities and worked with Rochester Fertilizer for over thirty-five years.

Later in his life, Donnie decided to run over-the-road for his son, Scott (Scott Rud Trucking), pulling refrigerated trailers. Scott transitioned into transporting Aviation fuels which Donnie also decided to do. While doing this, Linda started to ride along with Donnie full time. They both enjoyed the trips across many states, coming back with stories to tell of people they met and sites they were able to see. 

Upon retiring from driving over the road, Donnie went to work for SL Contracting, INC, where he drove dump truck and could be home at night.

Over his lifetime, Donnie drove trucks for 60 years. He was a quiet man until it came to truck driving stories, then he never tired of telling the stories over and over, making sure to give you every detail. Telling those stories or just being able to talk with family and friends was guaranteed to put a smile on his face every time. 

Donnie enjoyed classic country music, western movies, hanging out with old friends so he could share old "truck stories" and spending time with his grandchildren. 

Donnie is survived by his wife Linda, of 53 years, along with his two sons, Scott (Rennee) Rud, and Aaron (Jen) Rud; five grandchildren: RaeLynn, Blake, Taylor, Braden, and Jaxen; one sister: Sue Jahraus; four brothers: Tom (Vicki), Charlie (Sue), David (Lynn), Greg (Martha); and two sisters-in-law: Diane Rud and Sally Rud. 

Waiting for him in heaven are his parents, Aden and Leola Rud; two brothers: Dale and Gary; and one brother-in-law: Bill Jahraus. 

A celebration of life has been planned for 3:00pm on Saturday, September 21st, 2024, at Riverview Greens Golf Course in Stewartville, MN.