Robert D Rud

Robert Duane Rud, 91, of Rockledge, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026.

Born August 13, 1934, in Fosston, MN, Robert spoke only Norwegian at home before learning English in the one-room schoolhouse he attended for his primary education.

As a teenager, Robert attended high school at the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, a boarding school an hour away from his hometown. He and the other boys would often hitch home with nearby farmers to visit his family on the weekends.

Robert joined the U.S. Navy and served for 20 years. He retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer and took pride in his service throughout his life. He met and married his wife Sally nee Doyle in New Orleans in 1960 while on leave with the Navy. The pair had two children, Pete and Pat, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

He and Sally were houseparents at Murree Christian School in Pakistan for three years in the late 1970s, an experience that brought him joy and a lifelong love of South Asian food.

Robert loved God and church and was a lifelong Lutheran who took solace in his faith. An avid reader even when his vision began to fail, he consumed thousands of hours of audiobooks. Robert was also a serious cyclist who would often make 60-mile treks around Brevard County on his road bike. And when he got older, he could be seen around Rockledge on his three-wheeler. After retiring from the U.S. Navy, he worked many jobs in Minnesota and Florida. He took pride in the work he did and spoke of his time fixing roads in Minnesota, or working at ACE Hardware in Cocoa Beach, or in manufacturing at Hydro Aluminum. Once he left the workforce, he put in many years volunteering with his fellow veterans at the local VA clinic.

He is survived by his children, Pete (Ann) Rud, Pat (Gregg) Fruen; his grandchildren, Tyler, Aaron, Katie, Kelly, Mike, and Caroline; and eight beloved great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Richard (Lonnie) Rud.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Clara Rud; his beloved wife, Sally; and his lifelong friend of more than 80 years, Robert Fjerstad.

The family wishes to thank the staff and residents of Shell Harbor for the years of friendship and support, and all of the crisis care nurses of Vitas Healthcare who cared for him.

No formal services are planned. In keeping with his wishes, Robert’s ashes will be laid to rest at the Florida National Cemetery beside his wife, Sally.

Robert will be remembered for his vitality, his love of ice cream and exercise, his love for his family and his Lord, his wisdom, and his eyes that were even bluer than Sinatra’s.