Arlen Wayne Rude, 87, Redfield, SD passed away Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at Community Memorial Hospital in Redfield, surrounded by family. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, December 23, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Redfield. Reverend Gregory Frankman will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery in Redfield. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service; beginning at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the church. Thelen-Hyke Funeral Home of Redfield has been entrusted with arrangements. (www.thelen-hykefuneralhome.com)

Arlen Wayne Rude was born August 6, 1929 to Freeman and Freda (Thompson) Rude in Redfield. He was raised and educated in Redfield, graduating from Redfield High School in 1947 where he participated in football and track.

His father, Freeman Rude, and his uncle, Harlan Thompson, started Rude Transportation Co. on January 3, 1925. His three sons, Regge, Nick and Brian, continue to operate the family business at this time.

Arlen met Eunice Ann Nickisch at a dance at Wylie Park in Aberdeen, SD. They were married on October 1, 1949 in Aberdeen and have celebrated 67 years together. Together, they operated the family business and raised four children: Regge, Nick, Nancy and Brian.

Arlen was a member of the Jaycees, Knights of Columbus, South Dakota Horseracing Association, South Dakota Trucking Association and St. Bernard Catholic Church.

Arlen enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family. He enjoyed horse and dog racing and owned several thoroughbred race horses. He enjoyed road trips to Las Vegas and get togethers at the Cottonwood Lake cottage. He took his family on trips across the United States and Canada. He loved to shop and visit with people. He also loved his many family pets.

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife Eunice of Redfield; his son Regge (Kris) Rude of Redfield and their children: Jamie (Jessi) Fink and their children: Abbey and Gretchyn; Dietrich Rude; Meghan (Jeremy) Trautner and their children: Avery, Nolan and Jentry; Josef Rude and his daughter Kaidence; Maximilian Rude. He is also survived by his son Nick (Jolene) Rude of Redfield and their children: Nathan (Jill) Rude and their children: Jacksan, Raena and Jase; Travis (Stephanie) Rude and their daughter Ruby; Christopher (Heather) Rude and their children: Ella and Brody. Also surviving are his daughter, Nancy (Jerry Wetzler) Rude of Redfield and son Brian (Kimberly Barnhart) Rude of Sioux Falls, SD and his daughter Rachel Rude.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his half-brother, Freeman Jr., who died in a drowning accident at age 18; his step-mother, Agnes H. "Peg" Rude; his daughter-in-law, Shirley Rude and his granddaughter, Kaylunn Rude.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to St. Bernard Catholic Church.

Friday, December 23, 2016
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

St. Bernard Catholic Church
213 East 6th Ave
Redfield, SD 57469

Friday, December 23, 2016
2:30 PM

St. Bernard Catholic Church
213 East 6th Ave
Redfield, SD 57469

Friday, December 23, 2016
3:30 PM

St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery
US Highway 281
Redfield, SD 57469