Dennis A. Rude

Dennis A. Rude, 77, of Friendship, WI and Harlingen, TX passed away on May 7, 2026.

Denny was born on March 7, 1949, to the late Robert and Barbara Rude (nee Kaufman) in Edgerton. He graduated from Edgerton High School in 1967 and married the love of his life, Beverly Smith, in Cambridge on December 27, 1969. Denny and Bev started a family in 1975 and then went on to have more adventures than we can list here, but here are a few: Denny and Bev supported each other through college at the University of Wisconsin and Indiana University, they moved their family to Indiana and then to Virginia and then back to the Midwest, they fostered numerous children in their home, and Denny flourished in a four-decade career as a quality control engineer with Dana Corporation.

Denny will be remembered for his many passions and interests: he was a musician, a singer, a fisherman, a baseball fan, and a lover of learning — and he enjoyed bonding with others who could match his enthusiasm. But most of all, he was a fiercely devoted husband, father and friend. Denny had a kind and generous heart, and he lived his values.

Those Denny leaves behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Beverly, his sons Jesse, Sam, Chris and Wayne, his son-in-law Michael, his daughters-in-law Catherine and Sarah, his four granddaughters, his two sisters, his brothers- and sisters-in-law, more than a dozen nieces and nephews, and his many friends and neighbors in Wisconsin, Indiana, Virginia, Texas and around the country.

VISITATION: The family will greet relatives and friends at Oakland-Cambridge Presbyterian Church, 313 E. Main St., Cambridge on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

SERVICE: A memorial service in remembrance of Denny will be at the church on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation in Denny’s name to the cause of your choice.

The Nitardy Funeral Home – Cambridge has been entrusted with Denny’s arrangements and more information can be found on their website.

Tribute and service videos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZrelhoNyjKd1R7_WqctSSd7TGLWhoIFv?usp=drive_link