Elden O. Ruud, 72, McVille, ND died Saturday, December 4, 2010 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

Elden was born May 6, 1938 the son of Henry and Emma (Swenseth) Ruud of Mapes, ND. He attended country school near Mapes. Elden quit school at age 16 to help on the farm. When he turned 18 he enlisted in the army serving time in Panama. He received his GED and attended trade school in Wahpeton, ND.

Elden married Diane Kenner of Devils Lake , ND and they had 2 daughters; Brenda Whitesell and Kathy (Todd) Neurohr, both of Bismarck, ND.

Elden married Peggy Jensen in 1971 and together had 3 children; son Robert (Dora Roll), daughters Karla (Chris) Demars both of Fargo, ND and Angela of Devils Lake, ND. He had 9 grandchildren; Alexandria (fiancé Chris Langlais), Tyler, Izac, Devon , Mikahla, Brady, Craig, Isaac, and Reed.

Elden worked at many jobs through the years; gas station attendant, dry cleaner attendant, hardware store employee, construction worker, semi driver, manufacturing plant and farm laborer until 1992 when he first started having health problems and could no longer work.

Elden enjoyed working on cars, camping, fishing, hunting, playing violin and guitar in his early years, and listening to country western music.

Elden was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers-in-law, and nephew Bradley Haugen.

Elden is survived by his wife Peggy; children Brenda, Kathy, Robert, Karla, and Angela; 9 grandchildren; sisters Joan Lindvall, Gladys Haugen, Arlene (Jerry) Robinson, Lois (Ed) Rosenow; brothers Harold (Clarine) and Lloyd (Marilyn); many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Elden will be deeply missed by his wife Peggy and his children and family.

Funeral services for Elden will be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 11:00 AM at New Luther Valley Lutheran Church, McVille, ND. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services in the church. Interment will be in the spring at Center Cemetery, rural McVille.