Robert Ruud, 73, of Onalaska and formerly West Salem, died on Wednesday, June 21, at Mayo Health System in La Crosse after a brief battle with liver cancer.

Born April 22, 1950, to Arthur and Betty (Formanek) Ruud, Bob grew up on the south side of La Crosse and graduated from Central High School in 1968. He attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, graduating in 1972 with a major in geography. During these years, he worked at the New Villa in La Crosse, where he learned his crowd-pleasing batter-fried fish recipe.

In 1973, he married Christine Olson and they raised their two children, Elizabeth and Samuel, in West Salem. Bob started his work life at Trane Company in La Crosse in 1973 and ended at L.B. White in Onalaska in 2021, going from the world of air conditioning at Trane to heating units at L.B. White. He also worked as a custodian for the West Salem School District, starting as a sub on weekends, which then led to a twenty-year commitment. Because he couldn’t be idle, after his retirement he returned to the workforce subbing as a custodian, serving lunches in food service, and filling in as a paraprofessional substitute at Trempealeau Elementary. He was affectionately known as “Mr. Bob” and found a calling in helping students and staff of that building. He took on any task, would be there at a moment's notice, and did whatever he could to help.

Often the instigator of shenanigans and practical jokes, Bob was an expert at working behind the scenes to create some elaborate joke or trick, and with award-winning acting skills would deflect any blame for or ownership of the situation. He passed this skill on to his children and grandchildren, who plan to continue his legacy.

Bob loved the outdoors, especially fishing and gardening and had a passion for playing the lottery. He said he didn’t smoke or drink, so the lottery was his vice. The squirrels, rabbits and moles that invaded his yard and wreaked havoc on his precious garden plants and bird feeders were his only enemies. With these animals he went to battle in some very creative ways. When Liz and Sam were in 4-H, he coached the softball team, and many young players learned to "never look at where you hit the ball and keep running for first base!"

Bob loved auctions and finding great deals. With the patience of a saint, he would hold his bid until he knew he was getting a great deal. Not always, though. Sometimes he just couldn’t walk away and got into some bidding battles that resulted in big purchases. While he was proud of his children and their accomplishments, the greatest joy in his life came from his grandchildren. From supporting Ellie in concerts and softball games; keeping up with Maddie in theater, music, and track; following Cale’s basketball teams; talking endlessly about all things WWII with Alex; and standing in all types of weather for Mick’s soccer and football games, he was never more enthusiastic than when it involved something with his precious five grandchildren. He patiently taught them to fish, repeatedly telling them, "You've got a bite! Pull!" Each grandchild had a special relationship with "Grandpa Bob"; they have lost one of their biggest cheerleaders.

Other than the squirrels, rabbits and moles, it would be hard to find someone who didn’t enjoy being with Bob or didn’t receive help if they needed it. He was ready to step up for any project for family and friends, whether it was putting shingles on a house in 95-degree weather or willingly hauling wheelbarrows of dirt. Selflessly helping others was at the core of who he was.

Bob’s sudden diagnosis and decline left no time for him to finish his many projects or to make one last trip to the lake with his family. And his unexpected death leaves many wishing for more cherished moments with him.

Bob is survived by his wife, Christine, children Elizabeth (Ryan) Ziegler, Holmen; Samuel (Nichole) Ruud, Trempealeau; his five grandchildren: Ellie, Madeline, Cale, Alexander, and Mick; and his brothers, Cory and Steve, and sister, Sally. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will occur on Tuesday, June 27 at Fossum Funeral Home, 510 2nd Avenue South, Onalaska from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 28 at 11:00 AM at Holmen Lutheran Church, 228 Morris Street, Holmen. There will be a visitation before the service starting at 10:00 AM. A lunch at the church will follow the service.

The family thanks Dr. Joseph Behn and the staff of Mayo Health System for their wonderful care and compassion during his illness.

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a little better; whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived. This is to have succeeded.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson