Margaret Rude

Wednesday, February 22, 2017 6:00 pm

Margaret Rude, 94, of Decorah, died Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, at the Aase Haugen Nursing Home in Decorah. Services were at 2 p.m., Monday, Feb. 20, at Big Canoe Lutheran Church, Decorah, with Rev. Kurt M. Bockoven officiating. Accompanist was Lane Rich. Hymns were “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art.” Burial was at Big Canoe Cemetery. Casket bearers were Austin Bohr, Dylan Elsbernd, Wayne Jordahl, Brian Jordahl, Chris Bohr and Brandon Elsnernd. Arrangements were handled by Schluter – Balik Funeral Home in Decorah.

Margaret Norma (Olson) Rude was born June 5, 1922, the daughter of Perry and Nora (Helgerson) Olson on the family farm in rural Winneshiek County. She was baptized and confirmed at Big Canoe Lutheran Church. Margaret attended Pleasant No. 2 country school and graduated from Decorah High School in 1940. After high school, Margaret went to work for Johnsons grocery store in Decorah. She later went to work at the Ben Franklin in Decorah where she worked for many years. Margaret married George Rude June 15, 1958, at Big Canoe Lutheran Church. She enjoyed baking, sewing and going to class reunions and luncheons. She was a member of Big Canoe Lutheran Church and the Pricilla ladies circle.

Margaret is survived by her sister, Pauline Fossum, Decorah; nephews, David Fossum, Waukon and Thomas (Shirley) Ramsey, Cedar Rapids; niece, Nancy (Wayne) Jordahl, Decorah; along with great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Perry and Nora (Helgerson) Olson; husband, George Rude, in 1992; and brother, Harvey (Cecile) Olson.