Earl Richard Rue, 90 of Brookings, SD, passed away Sunday, April 28, 2024, at the Neighborhoods at Brookview, Brookings, SD.
Funeral services have been set for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at First Lutheran Church, Brookings, SD. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 6, 2024, at Rude’s Funeral Home, Brookings,. In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorials be directed to First Lutheran Church, Brookings, SD.
Earl Richard Rue was born on Aug. 7, 1933, in Hendricks, MN, the son of Emil and Clara (Midtaune) Rue. Earl received his education in Hendricks, MN, and was a graduate of Hendricks High School in 1951. After receiving his education, he started farming until 1956, when he entered in the United States Army and served until 1958.
Earl was united in marriage to Margaret J. “Peggy” Kluess on June 22, 1958, in Hendricks, MN. After their marriage they moved to Brookings, SD. Earl was employed at Runnings Farm and Fleet in 1958, becoming the manager in 1962 until his retirement in 1998. He continued to work on a part-time basis for Einspahr Auto, Volunteer Service Bank and Meals on Wheels.
He was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Brookings and served on the Church Board Council as well as the Brookings Chamber of Commerce, Brookings Savings and Loan, Brookings Federal Bank and was a Brookings Businessman of the Year in 1987 – 1988. Earl was an avid sports supporter for the Bobcats and the Jackrabbits.
He enjoyed woodworking, yard work and especially spending time with family and friends at home and their Lake Hendricks cabin.
Earl is survived by his one son, Mark (Judy) Rue of Vadnais Heights, MN; three daughters, Karol Busta of Little Canada, MN, Kari (Dan) Popko of Stillwater, MN and Kristi (Wade) Hoffman of Minnetrista, MN; eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Kathryn Wenaas and his wife, Peggy, in July of 2020.
The family would like to thank the staff at StoneyBrook Assisted Living, Brookings Health Systems and the Neighborhoods at Brookview for their wonderful care.
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com
