R. Craig Rude

R. Craig Rude of Battle Lake, MN died on Sunday, November 1st, 2026, after a battle with dementia.

Craig was born on February 13, 1951, in Fergus Falls, MN to James and Anitra Rude of Battle Lake.

Craig attended Battle Lake public schools before completing his senior year at Fergus Falls High School where he graduated in 1969. Craig was an accomplished athlete- participating in football, basketball, and baseball. What he loved most of all, however, was golf. He pursued this when he went on to college at Moorhead State University and continued to play golf all of his life. He was an excellent player.

Craig ultimately pursued dentistry and graduated from the University of MN Dental School and eventually bought Prairie's Edge Dental in Fergus Falls where he practiced until his retirement in 2016.

Craig met his wife Susan (Lanners) Rude while living in Minneapolis, and they married and lived in Fergus Falls where they raised their children: Sam, John, Joe, and Eva.

Craig's passions included blues music, golf, lake life, his family and his friends. He loved to play harmonica, bike through Glendalough, and swim whenever he could. He was a hard worker and cared deeply for his family. Craig was known for his humor and generosity, quick to laugh and give. He was well-liked and loved.

Craig is preceded in death by his wife Susan, and his parents Anitra and Jim. He is survived by his children: Samuel Rude of Bemidji, John (Emily) Rude of Minneapolis, Joe of Fargo, ND, and Eva (Grace) of Maple Grove as well as his sister Sue (Joel) Reimers of Chanhassen.

A memorial at Olson Funeral Home at 711 Pebble Lake Rd in Fergus Falls is scheduled on Saturday November 21st, 2026. Visitation to start at 11:00 AM with service to follow at noon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Battle Lake Public Schools in Craig's honor via their website at https://www.542foundation.com or check made payable to West Central Initiative with Battle Lake 542 Education Foundation in the memo, mailing address West Central Initiative
PO Box 318
Fergus Falls, MN 56538

Assistance provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com