Thomas “Tom” B. Ruder age 93 of Redwood Falls passed away Friday, January 3, 2014 at Sunwood Good Samaritan. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 10 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. Visitation is 4:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 9 at the Redwood Valley Funeral Home with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Burial is in St. Catherine’s Catholic Cemetery. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Thomas B. Ruder was born September 5, 1920 in Redwood Falls, MN to John and Louise (Fox) Ruder. He attended Redwood Falls High School. On April 28, 1948 Tom married Kathleen Rock at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall. Tom lived his entire life in Redwood Falls. He farmed most of his life and was also employed by the Redwood Falls Cemetery and North Redwood Elevator. Tom worked for Redwood Falls public schools as a custodian. He was a member of St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. Tom loved the outdoors, reading, and dancing with his wife, Kathleen. He liked to travel and went on several vacations and cruises. Tom loved spending time with grandchildren, especially outdoors.
Tom is survived by his children: Steve (Lois) Ruder of Glencoe, Mary (Brian) Daniels of Plymouth, and Suzanne Ruder (Alan Nagasawa) of Richmond, VA; nine grandchildren: Laura, Dale, Mark, Hannah, Briana, Nathan, Nicole, Kathryn, and Rebekah; four great grandchildren: Kiersten, Korrin, Kaelan, and Simon; and sister Marie McDonald of Washington state. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Kathleen, and sisters Delores Steinkraus, Margaret Cole, and Jeanette Reigel.
So sorry to hear that Uncle Tom has died. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Uncle Tom. Weather permitting we and Jack will be there for the funeral.
When I would go out dancing I would just sit and watch you parents dance together, they made a perfect dance couple, and had such enjoyment waltzing together. Always gave a smile when people would tell them how well they danced. they will both be missed, but now they are both together and dancing in heaven, showing the angels how it is done.
Uncle Tom will be missed. He enjoyed the farm so much and that enjoyment came through in his personality. Always seemed happy and content. God Speed Uncle Tom
I wanted to let you know how sorry I am to hear of the passing of Uncle Tom. He was a kind person that had the ability to make you laugh. When you least expected it a comical joke would come out of him. I have fond childhood memories of our visits to the farm and teenage memories of your visits to Phoenix. I can’t forget the adulthood memories of driving mom to visit Aunt Kathleen when she was in the nursing home. Those visits were special and fun. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Eternal rest grant onto him oh Lord and let the perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. My Uncle will always live on in the memories of all who new him. I am thankful that he was part of my life, my Godfather, my Uncle.
So sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. Always looked forward to visiting the farm and your winter family visits in Phoenix. We really had fun; such fond memories! Your Dad was so good to my sister. They enjoyed each other and now are together again. Prayers for you during this difficult time!
This is always a tough time for family and words are hard to come by. Please know how much we enjoyed all the wonderful times we had at the farm and your family visits to Phoenix. Your Dad was special…a hard worker, so giving and such a great sense of humor. All your wonderful memories will bring you peace! Prayers for you during this difficult time.