Rick Rudd, age 72, of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away Friday, September 13, 2024, at Essentia-St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth, MN.

Rick was born on September 25, 1951, one of four children, to Ione and Spencer Rudd.

As a husband, Rick was a best friend and devoted partner through all the joys and struggles of life. As a father, he quietly led the way when his son's needed guidance, and walked alongside them when they needed a friend. Rick would tell his two sons they were his proudest accomplishments, but to them, he was their hero. He put everything he had into making every minute spent with his grandkids fun-loving and memorable.

Ricks parents built Club 38 in Bigfork, where he grew up helping as a young boy. After high school Rick served in the Marines, quickly reaching the rank of Corporal. Following his honorable discharge from the Marines, he met his wife Nancy and together they built their only home. Rick rarely stopped moving and was the embodiment of sweat equity. In the rare moments when he slowed down, it was to spend time with his family or ride his motorcycle. He often said that riding a motorcycle was the closest you could come to flying without leaving the ground. Rick worked shift work in the grinder room at the Blandin Paper Company until he retired at the age of 55.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Nancy; and parents, Ione and Spencer. Rick is survived by his two sons, Nathan (Coral) and Matt; sister, Shirley; brothers, Ronny and Randy; and three grandchildren.

A celebration of Rick's life will be held in the summer of 2025. If you are a friend of Rick and wish to join in celebrating his life, please email celebrateRickRudd@gmail.com.

In lieu of gifts, the family requests that you volunteer time or donate to a charity.