Duluth – Darrell E. Rude, 79, of Duluth, died Friday, May 27, 2016, at his home.
A memorial service was held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church on Tuesday, May 31. 
Darrell was born Aug. 28, 1936, in Badger, son of the late Rema and Earl Rude and stepfather of the late George Hanestad. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls, in 1954, where he was a member of the Prowlers basketball team as well as the school choir. He went on to school at Concordia College in Moorhead.
In May 1959, he married the love of his life, Laurie Haugen. Together, they had five children. He spent his career working for Social Services in Isanti County, Wright County and St. Louis County where he retired as Acting Director of St. Louis County Social Services Department in 1994.
Darrell enjoyed bird hunting and was an avid golfer and bowler. He played fast and slow pitch softball until the age of 63.
Darrell is survived by his wife of 57 years, Laurie; children Kyle Rude, Tris Rude and Bret Rude, all of Duluth, Lita (Clayton) Gleason of Baxter, Minn., and Jana (Tim) Balde of Poplar; six grandchildren that he thought the world of: Rebecca, Tyler, Lindsey, Travis, Thomas and Brianna; brother Warren (Gloria) Hanestad of Thief River Falls; and many nieces and nephews.
The family requests that memorials be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church. 
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