David "Dave" Rude left this earth peacefully, after battling several illnesses, to be with our Lord in Heaven on Sunday, March 29, 2020 in Everett, WA. He will always be a beloved son, brother, father, uncle, cousin, and friend.
Born at home in Fertile, MN. on January 27, 1933 to Louise (Bjorge) and Cornelius Rude, he was the second eldest of seven children. He always said in good humor, "My mother was fertile in Fertile!" David is survived by his only child, his daughter, Kristin and her husband Rafael Boyd; his siblings Elaine Johnson, Gloria Gochanour, Marian James, and Rodger Rude, along with many nieces and nephews. David was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Wayne Rude and Ina Mae Dale.
One of David's fondest childhood memories was camping with his brother Rodger in the woods on the farm in Noonan, ND in a WWII army tent. Growing up, he worked on different farms in the summer, drove a truck during harvest time, worked in a hardware store, and was a film projectionist at the Noonan Memorial Theater. His earliest ambition was to be a train engineer. After high school David joined the U.S. Army, where he was a truck driver and Field Radio Repair/Operator, earning him the honor of Private First Class E4 and being honorably discharged. He attended North Dakota State University on a GI Bill through his Junior year, taking classes that would enable him to become an Electrical Engineer.
When he moved to Seattle, WA, David worked in this field for many different architectural and consulting firms, as well as an independent consultant, and then after many years retired from Boeing at their Everett plant Facilities Department. Besides working, David had many interests and activities he participated in throughout his long life such as being a Boy Scout leader, listening to and collecting classical and other music, as well as stamps, tools, books, and magazines. David also owned a sailboat, remodeled and flew a small airplane, was an avid photographer, a member and officer of The Sons of Norway Bothell Lodge, loved being a licensed HAM radio operator, and working on his computer and many construction projects.
David was married a short time during which his daughter was born. Holding baby Kristin in his arms was one of his proudest moments. Throughout the years since Kristin's toddler days, they spent many special occasions together hiking, backpacking, and camping. Family has always been important to David. He visited them when he could as well as a few family reunions for both sides of his family, and also lovingly walked his daughter down the aisle.
Among David's interests were his dear friends with whom he spent many wonderful moments and fun times. In David's later years he took flying, snow skiing, and Estonian language lessons, traveled to Utah for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and twice to the Baltic country of Estonia, owned a 24 ft. motor boat, started to build a darkroom, had plans to start a printing business, and joined a bowling league.
Being a man of faith, David attended church regularly and belonged to Grace Lutheran Church in Seattle for many years, taking his mother and daughter with him. There he helped with ushering, church photography, and was the church treasurer. David often read and studied the Bible in his home office. Later on, David was a member of Redemption Lutheran Church in Lynnwood, WA until he was no longer able to attend, which then the two consecutive pastors would visit David at his apartment. They even helped David, along with his family and friends, move to his last three residences.
In the years David lived in assisted living, when he didn't have a visitor and still had his computer, David spent his time watching a variety of television shows, online train videos, cute YouTube videos, and listening to Polka music online. Most recently, at the nursing home, he liked watching some television and also listening to the various music channels available. He also loved his Barq's Diet Root Beer, Gimbal's Scottie Dogs Black Licorice, O'berto Cocktail Pepperoni, Russell Stover Sugar Free Chocolates, and a variety of nuts or other snacks that Kristin would bring for him on their weekly visits together.
David didn't worry too much about anything, always had a great sense of humor, was well-liked, generous, and made friends wherever he was. Something David used to say was, "Wherever you go, there you are!" Putting his faith in Jesus, he kept a good attitude and made the best of wherever he was or whatever situation he was in. Although David has gone on to a better place, he will always remain in our hearts and memories and he will be truly missed!
David Allen Rude, dear dad, sibling, relative, and friend will be laid to rest in his Sunday church suit on Monday, April 6, 2020 in his temporary location at the cemetery until the new mausoleum, his permanent resting place, is built. There will be a private family viewing prior to this at the funeral home. At this time, due to circumstances beyond our control, there will be no funeral service. However, in the future when we are able to gather together, we will have a Victory Service with reception at Redemption Lutheran Church in Lynnwood, WA.
Condolences may be sent to Evergreen-Washelli Funeral Home, Attn: Family of David Rude, 11111 Aurora Ave. N., Seattle,WA 98133. Thank you.
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