David Evan Rued

David Evan Rued, 91, passed away, Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Aicota Health Care Center, Aitkin. He was born May 17, 1932 in Whittlesey (Rib Lake) WI to Paul and Marion (Beach) Rued. David graduated from Big Lake High School in 1950 then entered the United States Air Force in 1951, serving four years and reaching the rank of E5 Staff Sargent. Following his time in the service, he attended the University of Minnesota graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Vocational Agriculture. David’s work career centered around teaching, owning and operating his own small businesses, and service to his community and state.

David married Ardella (Gunnerson) in Annandale, MN on September 22, 1956 after which they embarked on a lifetime together of fun and adventure, with a few challenges along the way naturally!

First, as a teacher at Morris Agriculture School, he helped start the University of Minnesota Morris then moved on to teach at the University Agriculture School in Waseca. David then moved into business as a company sales representative for Geigy Chemical Company. After a few years the luster of traveling every week and entertaining clients wore thin and David yearned to teach again. He accepted the teaching position as the Vocational Agriculture teacher at Aitkin High School in 1965 teaching through 1967 when he became the Aitkin County Agriculture Extension Agent, a position he excelled at until 1969, but teaching called him back once again and he returned to Aitkin High School to teach until 1979. Through part of his time as a teacher, David and his wife Ardella raised beef, hay, oats and winter wheat from 1965-1979. He owned and operated a wild rice farming operation called Zizania, Inc. from 1969 – 1980. Up to another challenge David was encouraged by family, friends and many acquittances’ to run for public office. He won a special election for MN State Senate District 13 (Aitkin, Crow Wing and Kanabec counties) and was sworn into office on December 29, 1978. He was reelected in 1980 and served upon numerous agricultural, natural resources, education, energy, housing and special programs committees until 1983. David also served as an Aitkin County Commissioner for several years. Later in life, David owned and operated his own real estate company Lake Region Realty from 1983 until 2017 when he retired. Throughout his time in Aitkin, David was involved in the Aitkin American Legion, Aitkin Lions, 4-H, Republican Party, IRRRB Board, First Lutheran Church and in the latter years, Immanuel Lutheran Church.

David was preceded in death by his parents; cherished wife Ardella who passed away February 23, 2020; brothers Steve and Keith; sisters Pauline (Koop), Randine (Johnson); and numerous in-laws. 

David is survived by children Judy (Daryl) Slegh of Andover, MN; Tim (Lynn) Rued of Herbster, WI, and Susan (Brian) Anderson of Marina Del Ray, CA; Eight grandchildren, David (Rachel) Slegh, Daniel (Tanisha) Slegh, Matthew (Ali) Slegh, Sarah (Kevin) Mathew, Eric (Bri) Slegh, Britta (Brett) Rued-Weyek, Heidi (Cole) Reardon, Annika Anderson; Sister Cynthia (Paul) Whitney of Cambridge, MN, Sister in-law Theresa Rued of Rochester, NY, Sister in-law Lois Rued of Owen, WI. Brother in-law and Sister in-law Ivan and Annette Russell; numerous nieces and nephews both from the Rued and Gunnerson Families; A very special thank you to Aicota Health Care Center for your care over the last couple of years.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 1 PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Crosby with Pastor Paul Mattson officiating. Visitation will begin 1 hour before the service.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 600 4th St SW, Crosby, MN 56441-0998 or www.immanuelcrosby.org. To sign the guestbook online, go to:  www.srtfuneral.com.  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Aitkin.  www.srtfuneral.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Evan Rued, please visit our floral store.