Thomas “Tom” G. Rude

Thomas “Tom” G. Rude, age 79 of Colfax, WI passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family under the care of Mayo Hospice on July 26, 2024.

Tom was born February 22, 1945, to Milford “Doc” and Grace (Grutt) Rude. He grew up in the Elk Mound area and graduated from Elk Mound High School in 1963. He served in the Army National Guard for six years. He fully retired in 2020 after 50 successful years as a Farm and Construction Equipment Salesman.

Tom married the love of his life Shirley Steinke on April 20th, 1968, at St. Joseph’s Church in Menomonie, WI. Together they were blessed with four children. Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, watching NASCAR, gardening and taking care of his yard. His biggest joy was spending time with his family and passing along life lessons from “Dear Old Dad”.

Tom is survived by his wife, Shirley. Children: Anthony (Michelle) Rude, Oconto, WI; Sheri (Bill) Lansin, Ridgeland, WI; Timothy (Angel) Rude, Kewaunee, WI; Steven (Amanda) Rude, Hudson, WI. Grandchildren: Kayla (Ryan) Berge; Savannah Rude (Charlie); Victoria (Paul) Hallgren; David Koudelka, Houston Rude, MaKenzie Rude; Dylan Rude and Lily Lansin. Great Grandchildren: Dalilah; Bently; Archer; Emily; Axel and Payton. Brother-in-law Gordon Gallati; sister-in-law Roxann Steinke; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Gerald and Mary Steinke.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents; father- in-law and mother in-law, Herb and Louise Steinke; sister, Deanna Gallati; and brother-in-law, LaVerne Steinke.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Mayo Cancer Center in Eau Claire, WI for their love, kindness and compassionate care.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI with Celebrant Teresa Pejsa officiating. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service. Private burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Menomonie, WI.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com