Mervyn L. Rud, 80, of East Grand Forks, passed away unexpectedly Monday, March 11, 2024 at his home.

Mervyn Leroy Rud was born July 21, 1943 in Thief River Falls, MN to Johannes and Nina (Taylor) Rud. He grew up in Strathcona, MN and attended school there and high school in Greenbush. When Merv was 17, his mother signed for him to join the US Navy with his service taking him all over the world. Upon returning home, he lived with his mother and step-father, where he met his future wife Georgia Ovsak. He then traveled to Williston to work in the oil fields. Finding that wasn't what he wanted he moved back and on June 11, 1966, married Georgia at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Euclid. They made their home in Grand Forks and were blessed with four daughters. They made their final move to East Grand Forks where they remain. Merv worked for Northland Chemical, ND State Mill and in maintenance at St. Mikes Hospital before starting Merv Rud Construction with his laborer "lady," Georgia. He was a member of Sacred Heart, the EGF American Legion Post #157, loved hunting, and was an avid fisherman, teaching all four daughters to fish. The joy of his life was spending time with his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. He loved them dearly.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 58 years Georgia Rud of East Grand Forks, daughters Denise (Monty)Unseth of Grand Rapids, MN, Mary Rud (Kenny Overton) of Horace, ND, Patti Rud (Brady Wiseth) of Mitchell, SD, Lori (Joseph) Kalash of West Fargo, ND; siblings Sharon Kalinowski of Karlstad, MN, Janice Baker of Moorhead, MN, Linda Odum of New Port Richey, FL, Delbert (Jill) Rud of Jackson, TN, and Lewayne (Rud) Zespy of Tucson, AZ; 10 Grandchildren Michael (Kimberly) Vervalen, Johnathon (Kristen) Vervalen, Darren Spicer, Ashley Rud, Megan Rud, George Slater Jr., Lyncoln Huff, Isabella Kalash, JJ (Joseph) Kalash, Daymon (Alexis) Unseth; and 15 Great-Grandchildren Kinsleigh Rud, Carter Reinert, Hosea, Judah, Axl, Priya-Kate Slater, Isaiah Rud, Noah, Abigail, Ryker, Emily Vervalen, Lucian Ayres, Waylon and Lynnie Unseth; in-laws Gary (Barb) Ovsak, Gene (Geri) Ovsak, Everett Sawyer, June (Todd) Stevens; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Johannes Rud and Nina Zespy, grandson Brock Slater, great-grandson Lucca Ayres, sister Nyla Jean Gunstinson, half-brother Russell Zespy, and sister-in-law Judy Sawyer.

VISITATION: 5:00-7:00 PM with PRAYER SERVICE at 7:00, Sunday, March 17, 2024 at Dahl Funeral Home, 2029 Central Ave. NW, East Grand Forks, MN 56721.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: 11:00 AM, Monday, March 18, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 200 3rd St. NW, East Grand Forks, MN 56721, with visitation one hour before.

INTERMENT:  Memorial Park South Cemetery of Grand Forks, ND with Military Honors provided by the American Legion Post #157, VFW Post #3817 and the US NAVY