Kenneth Maurice Rude passed away on March 31, 2021, at the age of 93 with his family surrounding him at his home in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Ken was born on May 12, 1927, to Knute William (Bill) and Ovidia (Fargerlie) Rude in a farm house near Sacred Heart, Minnesota. Ken is preceded in death by all his siblings; brothers Werdin (killed while serving in WWII), Harris and Wesley, and sisters Bernice and May. Ken served as a Seaman First Class in the Navy from March 1945 to July 2, 1946. Ken and his older brother Harris then roomed together and attended the University of Minnesota where Ken received a degree in Industrial Administration in 1950. Ken always had his heart set on his hometown sweetheart, June Kronlokken, and on August 20, 1955, they were married. Ken spent over 38 years with J.I. Case Company. Ken had several different roles at Case serving in Territory Sales and Service, working at the Racine home office, Branch Manager in Indianapolis, Regional Sales Manager, and as he prepared for retirement, took over as Store Manager in Lafayette, Indiana, running that store to the No. 1 store in the nation before he retired in 1988.

Ken was a big man with a big personality and a big heart. He prided himself in providing for his family and community and cherished his friends. Ken and June were charter members of Cross and Crown Lutheran Church in Indianapolis where he served as treasurer as well as being active in the church social activities. With the various moves, Ken and June always joined a Lutheran Church as a foundation to their home. Throughout his life, Ken enjoyed annual fishing trips with his buddies and taking his father and later his son and grandsons on fly-in trips to Canada. After retiring, Ken and June bought three farms and developed them into estate neighborhoods in the Lafayette area. Ken was happiest when he was busy and with family and friends.

After decades of being cared for by June, their roles reversed when June began showing signs of dementia about ten years ago. Ken demonstrated patience, support, and above all else love as he cared for June. He always told her how beautiful she was and how he was the luckiest man in the world.

Ken Rude is survived by his beloved wife, June Rude; his children, Diane Overstreet and Brian (Cathy) Rude; six grandchildren, Derek (Cynthia), Kari, and Kristen Overstreet, and Lydia, William, and RJ Rude; and one great-grandchild, Lucy Overstreet. June will be living with Diane at her home in Indianapolis.

He will be deeply missed.