Ruud, Orville George
December 30, 1931 – November 17, 2019
Age 87 of Bloomington, MN. Passed away Sunday, November 17, 2019. Orville was born on December 30, 1931 to O’Dell and Mildred Ruud in Montevideo, MN. He graduated from Minneapolis Patrick Henry High School in 1949 where he ran track, setting a school record in the mile, and played trombone in the band. He received his Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from The University of Minnesota. At the age of 21 he served in the United States Army Intelligence. He met Milda Johansen shortly before enlisting and they fell in love through writing letters during his time stationed in Japan. They were married on March 24, 1956 and soon became dedicated, caring parents to their three children: Mark, Kristine and Karen. Orville started his distinguished career in the Bloomington school district in 1957 teaching physics and chemistry, and held numerous positions until his retirement in 1992. After 6 years at Lincoln High School he was designated by the American Association of Physics teachers as one of the 30 outstanding teachers of physics in the United States. He moved on to become elementary instructional generalist and in 1981 became one of the first computer services directors in the Bloomington schools. He said he took on this position because, “I was probably the least afraid.” In that same year he produced the first live cablecast to teach microcomputer programming to schools all over the district. He saw his role change to one in which Computer Services became “a pivotal point of the district.” He earned his Doctorate in 1976 and taught science and education courses at Mankato State, Hamline and the University of Minnesota. Orville played as hard as he worked. He was a skier, hiker, camper, and outstanding gardener. He was also a dedicated runner, completing numerous marathons including Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth and the New York City Marathon. He also enjoyed traveling, including trips to China, Tanzania and Russia. Most of all, he loved connecting with family, spending time in conversation and hosting annual bike trips, ski trips, danish Christmas eve, birthday celebrations, and adventures in his beloved volkswagen campers. He was a member of Transfiguration Lutheran Church and St. Peder’s Lutheran Church, and contributed his beautiful baritone to the Transfiguration choir. His legacy shines in his children and grandchildren, whom he adored and was so proud of. He always showed interest in and supported their wide variety of passions. He was a gentle giant: brilliant, kind, caring and fun, and cherished by all who were lucky enough to know him. Orville is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Milda Ruud; son, Mark (Maria) Ruud of Hopkins; daughter, Kristine (Thomas) Peterson of Two Harbors; daughter, Karen (James) Donohue of Eden Prairie; granddaughters, Kira and Sonja; grandsons, Eric, Christian, Andrew and Brenden; sister, Shirley (Wesley) O’Brien; brother-in-law, David Litsey; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by sisters Meredith Litsey and Dorothy (Joseph) Capetz. Memorial service on Saturday, November 30, 2019 at 11:00 AM at St. Peder’s Lutheran Church, 4600 E. 42nd St., Minneapolis, MN with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM and a luncheon following the service. Memorials preferred to Lutheran Social Service or Breck Homes. (Published in the Star Tribune on November 24, 2019)