Walter Rud, 90, a lifelong Stephen, Minnesota farmer passed away at Lutheran Sunset Home in Grafton, North Dakota on Monday, December 1, 2014. Walter was born January 19, 1924 at Drayton, North Dakota, the son of Clarence and Mary (Rasmussen) Rud. He grew up on the family farm west of Stephen and attended the Rud country school. On June 4, 1944 he married Loretta Simonson at the Lutheran parsonage in Stephen. The couple moved from their farm into Stephen in 1975. In addition to farming, Walter drove truck and worked as a mechanic during the winter months. Loretta passed away on June 11, 2010. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and was a member of First Lutheran Church. Walter served on the Fork Township Board and the elevator board. Walter is survived by his sons, Dwaine (Sandra) Rud, Stephen; Ray (Linda) Rud, Grafton and Gary (Nancy) Rud, Grafton; eight grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren; and a sister, Dorothy Kirsch, Stephen. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Loretta; a grandson, David; a daughter-in-law, Becky; a brother, Harvey and a sister, Verna. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, December 4, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in First Lutheran Church at Stephen. Interment will be in the Stephen City Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour prior to the funeral service. Rev. Michael Schendel, presiding; Renee Jensen, organist. Casket bearers will be Walter's grandchildren, Brian, Connie, Denise, Scott, Paula, Shari, Brent and Dana.