James A. Rud

James A. Rud, age 88 of Mondovi, passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully on Thursday, July 30, 2015 at Hillview Senior Living in Mondovi. He was born on the family homestead in the Town of Naples on March 2, 1927 to Chris and Sena (Larson) Rud. Jim was a baptized and confirmed, and a longtime member of Trinity of Norden Lutheran Church. Following his school days, Jim took over his dad's farm in the Town of Naples, Buffalo County. For a number of years, Jim sold cattle and worked part time at Parker limeworks and for three years he was employed by the Town of Naples where he did grader work and maintenance. He then worked at UW-Eau Claire for 6 years in the custodial department. After his 6 years at UW-EC, James returned home and was a cattle dealer, a career spanning 25 years. James enjoyed going to auctions and was known to buy machinery for Peanut Salvage Yard. He also liked to by machinery for himself where he would enjoy fixing, repairing and painting his finds. Some of his most proud and memorable restores were his Oliver tractor, 656 International tractor and a 290 John Deere corn planter. Besides his love of tractors, cattle and auctions, Jim will be remembered for love of friends, especially the last several years drinking coffee with them at Blondie's, KD's or the Family Restaurant and how he was always there with a helping hand for those in need. Survived by brother Orvin (Dela Mae) Rud, North Carolina; sister Anna Johnson, Eau Claire, WI; nephews: Mark Johnson, Chetek, WI; John Rud, North Carolina; nieces: Charlotte Stecklein, Colorado Springs, CO; Judy Harms, Emily, MN; great nieces and nephews Gregory, Kimberly, Jennifer, Brett, Alex, and Shannon. James was preceded in death by his parents, sister Kathryn Mikelson, and brother-in-law Willard Johnson, and nieces Colleen Johnson, Cindy Mikelson, and Rosemary Rud. A visitation will be at Talbot Family Funeral Homes in Mondovi on Tuesday August 4 at 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A funeral service will be at Trinity Lutheran Church – Norden on Wednesday August 5 at 11:00AM with an hour of visitation prior. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.talbotfuneralhomes.com