Gerald Duane "Jerry" Rud

Gerald D. (Jerry) Rud, age 83, of Mondovi, passed away peacefully, with his loving family at his bedside, on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at the American Lutheran Home of Mondovi under the care of St. Croix Hospice.

Born November 25, 1942, the son of Curtis (Curt) and Josephine (Dode) (Sessions) Rud. He grew up in Mondovi on the Flats. Jerry graduated with honors from Mondovi High School in 1961. He received recognition for his athletic ability with earning many awards throughout his high school athletic career. He received an athletic scholarship to play football at Indiana University.

Jerry married Marilyn Johnson at Lyster Lutheran Church in Urne, Wisconsin, on October 20, 1962. They moved to Racine for work. While living in Racine, Jerry played semi-professional football for the Racine Raiders. They moved back to Mondovi in 1964 to begin their family. They had three children.

Community involvement was important to Jerry. He served 23 years with the Mondovi Fire Department attaining Deputy Chief and Assistant Chief prior to leaving the Fire Department due to employment out of the area. He also served on the Mondovi City Council on two separate occasions, the Coop Credit Union Board of Directors, Church Council and taught Sunday School.

Jerry was an avid sports fan. He followed the Packers, Brewers, and Wisconsin Badgers, but his favorite team was the Mondovi Buffaloes and supporting his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in all of their activities.

He will be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor, as well as his willingness to help anyone in need. He really enjoyed playing cards and the “bragging rights” that came with winning. His greatest joy was found in spending time with his family who he loved beyond measure.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marilyn. His children Jim (Chris) Rud of Mondovi, Tasha (Steve) Serum of Modena, and Dan (Melissa) Rud of Ankeny, IA. Grandchildren Amanda (Zac) Schmitz, David (Dani) Rud, Amber (Erich) Wolf, Matt (Jodie) Serum, Mike (Kasondra) Serum, Scott (Colleen) Serum, Tim (Madi) Serum, and Jake Rud. Great Grandchildren Griffin, Hannah, Charlotte, Blair, Kinsley, Wrenley, Zayden, Linkin, Sawyer, Cora, Ava, Abbie, Ally, Roy, Avery, Alden, Catherine and Leo. In-laws Paulene Johnson, Yvonne Johnson, Bill Gibson, Paul Biederman. Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Curt and Dode, his brother James (Jim), in-laws Johnnie & Margaret (McNish) Johnson, Arleane (Rod) Erickson, Glenis (Al) Hentges, Willard Mathis, Raymond Johnson, Ronald (Charlene) Johnson, Jerry Johnson, and Janny Biederman-Gibson.

Jerry’s family will forever be grateful for the excellent and compassionate care he received from the staff at the American Lutheran Home and St. Croix Hospice.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Central Lutheran Church in Mondovi.   A visitation will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2026 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Talbot Family Funeral Home in Mondovi and again at the church on Monday, June 1st from 10:00 AM until the hour of the service.

Inurnment will be held at Riverside Lutheran Cemetery at a later date.