James Rude

James L. Rude, 89, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Thursday, December 22, 2011 at Lake Region Health Care.  He was born February 23, 1922, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the son of Ernest N. and Minnie (Tommerdahl) Rude Sr..   He graduated from Crookston High School in 1940. After high school he attended Moorhead State College for 1 year.  He joined the United States Army in 1943, serving in the American, European, African and Middle Eastern Theatres. He was honorably discharged in 1945. He attended Louisiana State University and the University of Mississippi while in the service in the pre-engineering department.  He graduated from Moorhead State College in 1948 with a degree in math and industrial arts.  From 1948 to 1968 he taught in Battle Lake in industrial arts and math. Along with teaching he was also the high school principal from 1950 to 1968. In 1968, he became the senior high school principal in Fergus Falls until his retirement in 1981. On June 15, 1946 he married Anitra Hansen in Crookston, MN and the couple had two children Craig and Susan. He was a life member of DAV, VFW and the 94th Division. He was awarded several medals in his years of service including the Purple Heart and Silver Medal of Honor. He served as the commander of the Battle Lake American Legion Post, the coordinator of the Minnesota State Secondary and Principal Association of Minnesota, and the President of the First Lutheran Church of Battle Lake Council. He was a member of the Lions, Elks, and Kiwanis clubs of Battle Lake and/ or Fergus Falls. Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Anitra, who died on September 14, 2006 and a brother, Ernest N. Rude. Survivors include two children, son; Craig (Susan) Rude of Fergus Falls, and their children Samuel, John, Joseph and Eva; daughter, Susan (Joel) Reimers of Chanhassen, and their children Katelyn (Benjamin) Schlader, Charles, and Molly; two sisters; Doris Groskoff of Reno, NV, and Barbara Hafterson of Sonoma, CA. Visitation:  One hour prior to the service at the funeral home.    Memorial Service:     1 p.m. Friday, December 30, 2011 at Olson Funeral Home Chapel, Fergus Falls      Clergy:  Reverend Jennifer Rose       Interment: First Lutheran North Cemetery, Fergus Falls.   Military participation provided by Fergus Falls V. F.W. Post 612 and American Legion #30 In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts should be made to the School District 544 Foundation Fund.