Carlton Ruud, age 94, passed away Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at Majestic Pines Senior Living, Grand Rapids, MN.

Carlton was born 1929 to Carl and Marie Ruud in Fargo, ND. He graduated from Fargo High School and then in 1953 from Concordia College. Carlton served in the Naval Reserve from 1947-1956. On June 1, 1952, Carlton was united in marriage to Mavis Kirby at First Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND.

Carlton worked for his father's company, CH Ruud Automotive Accessories, for 10 years, beginning in college, before going to Eaton Corporation based in Canton, OH. He worked as a National Account Manager before retiring after 29 ½ years. In 1990, He and Mavis moved to Jay Gould Lake in Grand Rapids, MN.

Carlton and Mavis loved their travel adventures together, especially to Montana and their summers at Round Lake until Mavis' passing in 1999. Carlton was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church. He was a 33-degree Mason, Shriner in El Zagal Temple, Fargo, ND, and Tadmore Temple, Canton, OH, Elks, Jaycees, and Lincoln Toastmasters. Carlton was an avid fisherman, hunter, golfer, woodworker, boater, and prolific artist. Carlton shot his last grouse at the age of 85 and golfed every major course in the United States. He and Mavis made many of the furnishings at their home.

Carlton enjoyed eleven years with his companion, Rosaire Hall, until her passing in August 2020.

Carlton is preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Mavis. He is survived by his children, Rebecca (Ed) Russell from Syracuse, NY, and Lisa (Mark) Luttinen from Washburn, WI; grandchildren, Emily Russell, Kirsten Russell, Max McDowell, Danielle (Daniel) Warren; nieces and nephews, Jim Tompkins, Kay (Tom) Courtney, Larry (Carol) Tompkins, Lynn (Keith Brokke), Steve Ruud, and Tim Ruud; and close extended family, Jeff (Amy) Carter, Cindy (Craig) Bender, Duane Bolme, and Erik (Amanda) Bolme.

A Masonic service will be held on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at 12:45 PM at Zion Lutheran Church followed by the 1:00 PM visitation and 2:00 PM funeral service. Pastor Vicki Taylor will be officiating. Burial will be on Monday, October 30, 2023, at 1 PM at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Fargo, ND.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Second Harvest North Central Food Bank, 2222 Cromell Dr, Grand Rapids, MN 55744.