Kevin Rud

Kevin D. Rud, age 52, of Gilmanton, passed away on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at Sacred Heart Hospital, Eau Claire. He was born on November 6, 1961, a son of the late Dale M. and Margaret E. (Hart) Rud. Kevin attended Gilmanton Schools, graduating with the Gilmanton High School class of 1982. Following high school, Kevin worked with his dad on the family farm. For 15 years, Kevin was employed at Cenex in Mondovi in the agronomy and fertilizer department. He was proud of his position with Klevgard Trucking and Backhoe in Gilmanton, a career that he had until present day. Kevin’s most enjoyable hobby was competing in modified lawn tractor pulls. He traveled around the State of Wisconsin and won many events throughout his pulling career. He also enjoyed attending car shows, especially the shows that featured the classic and collector cars. Kevin was very proficient at re-building and fixing the classic cars he owned and was responsible for the engine modifications made to his lawn mowers. Kevin also enjoyed hunting and was just getting back into fishing. Many will remember Kevin for his happy-go-lucky personality who would do anything for anyone regardless of if he knew you or not. His greatest memory he leaves with his family is how they were number 1 and loved each of them without compromise and unconditionally. Kevin will be sadly missed by the love of his life for the past 30 years, Phyllis of Gilmanton; children, Julie Thompson of Houston, TX, Dennis Thompson of Gilmanton, Michelle Thompson of Racine and Troy and his wife, Joey of Menasha; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Kayla, Kelsey, Derek, Miranda, Marissa, Jackie, Beau, Wylie, Jessi and Dakota; siblings, Mark Rud of Gilmanton, Glenda Lueck of TX, Jimmy (Barb) Rud of IA, Elmer (Anna Mae) Rud of Osseo and Johnny Martin of Nelson, WI; sister in law, Lugene Martin of Nelson; special niece, Whitney along with his special nephews Caleb and Carter who were like his own kids; also by many other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, especially his friend who was like another brother and business partner Kendall (Kim) Klevgard and last but not least, his furry companion Chance his dog. Besides his parents, Kevin was preceded in death by his brother, Butch Martin. A funeral service to celebrate Kevin's life will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2015 at 2:00 PM at the Talbot Family Funeral Home, Mondovi Chapel with burial to follow at the Gilmanton Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 3 from 12 noon until the hour of the service at 2:00 PM. Please share your memories of condolences to comfort Kevin’s family at www.talbotfuneralhomes.com