Eldon Ruden

Eldon Ruden, 94, Le Mars, died Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Park Place Estates Assisted Living in Le Mars.

Eldon Raymond Ruden, the son of Joseph and Mary (Goetzinger) Ruden, was born on Feb. 9, 1929, on a farm near Oyens. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Oyens.

He began his schooling at St. Catherine’s in Oyens. After their farmhouse burned down, the family moved to a farm near Alton. He graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Granville. While in school, Eldon was a member of the basketball team. He also served Mass at St. Mary’s in Alton for nine years.

He was united in marriage to Mildred List on April 11, 1950, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton. The couple lived in Le Mars for a short time before moving to a farm west of Le Mars. They farmed, milked cows, and raised hogs and chickens. They retired from farming in 2000. They continued to live on the farm until moving to Park Place Estates Assisted Living in Le Mars in 2019.

While living on the farm west of Le Mars, Eldon was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church – Ellendale where he was a director and served as a lector. After moving to Le Mars, he became a member of All Saints Catholic Parish. Eldon was a 75-year member of the Knights of Columbus in Le Mars.

He enjoyed playing cards and he and Mildred played in several card clubs over the years. He enjoyed trying his luck on the nickel slot machines at the casino. He and Mildred enjoyed traveling and spending their winters in Texas and Florida for over 20 years. His family was his greatest joy, especially his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of over 72 years, Mildred of Le Mars; his children: Karen (Ken) Nelson of Le Mars, Marilyn (Reid) Jensen of Burbank, South Dakota, Nancy Hoss of Akron, Dennis Ruden of Le Mars, Diane (Gary) Russell of Twin Falls, Indiana, Don Ruden (Amy Brady) of Le Mars, Theresa (Pat) Probst of Alton, and Susan (Jody) Kohlmaier of Katy, Texas; 31 grandchildren; 60 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a brother: Tom (Marva) Ruden of Illinois; three sisters: Mary Ann Mousel of Sioux City, Cy Ahlers of Le Mars, and Jeanne Woll of Le Mars; a sister-in-law, Helen Brady of Marcus; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Ruden; a son-in-law, Jerry Hoss; a great-great-grandson, Oscar Burnham; his siblings: Silvius (Margie) Ruden, Harold (Gracie) Ruden, Wally Ruden, Ray (Lorraine) Ruden, Joe (Bonnie) Ruden, Erma (Lee) Bush and Florence (Bernie) Madsen; and his in-laws: LeRoy Mousel, Robert Ahlers and Larry “Butch” Woll.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 17, at All Saints Catholic Parish – St. Joseph Church in Le Mars. The Rev. Douglas Klein will celebrate Mass. Deacon Paul Gengler will be assisting. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars. Visitation will begin at 3 p.m., Thursday, March 16, at All Saints Catholic Parish – St. Joseph Church in Le Mars.

There will be a scriptural prayer service at 5 p.m., followed by a Knights of Columbus Rosary. The family will be present from 5:30-7 p.m. Visitation will resume from 9:30 a.m. until service time on Friday at the church.

Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the through www.rexwinkelfh.com.