Charles Rud, age 83, of Webster, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the Hennepin County Medical Center of Minneapolis after a battle with kidney cancer and other health complications, surrounded by his loving family.
Charles Joseph Rud was born on February 10, 1943, in Northfield, Minnesota, to Joseph and Alice (Johnson) Rud. He grew up in Webster (attending a one-room schoolhouse early on), and graduated from Northfield High School in 1960. He later joined the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Forrestal, receiving his honorable discharge in 1964. He attended Mankato State University and Normandale Community College.
Charles married Nora Meyer on June 15, 1968, at St. John’s Lutheran Church and they made their home in Webster. Charles was a forklift mechanic with Clarklift of Minnesota, retiring in 2009 after over 40 years with the company. Continuing the tradition of his father’s business, he also ran Rud’s Service from his home shop for many years, repairing a variety of things like shoes, cars, lawn mowers, and snow blowers.
He was deeply involved with civic duty and the community in Webster, serving as town constable for several years, an election judge in several elections, and as supervisor on the township board for multiple terms. He was a member of Solor Lutheran Church and the American Legion.
In his younger days, he raced stock cars at Elko Speedway. He enjoyed spending time with family, going on family road-trip vacations, attending his grandchildren’s sporting and music events, meeting up with his coffee buddies, playing cards, reading, doing crossword puzzles, watching car races, collecting antique radios, riding his motorcycle, and had a passion and talent for repairing things. He was a life-long blood donor.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Nora; their three children: Deanna Jo (John) Block of Dundas, Kevin (Crystal) of Eagle Lake, and Ryan (Jeni) of Minneapolis; two grandchildren: Emily (Caleb) Warren of West Des Moines and Andrew Block; other family members; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Alice.
Funeral Services for Charles will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Solor Lutheran Church in Webster. Visitation will be 4–7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at the Bierman, Benson, & Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield, as well as one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery of Webster, and a reception will be held at the church following the service.
Arrangements are with the Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home & Crematory. www.northfieldfuneral.com