No headline

Don Rude, 80

Donald Keith Rude passed from this life on Thursday evening, June 22, 2017. At the time of his death, Don was surrounded by his wife, children and family who were reading scripture and singing songs of comfort and joy. Don was 80 years old.

Don was born on Nov. 25, 1936, in Ambrose, N.D., to Lavern and Martha Mae Rude. At the age of 12, Don moved with his parents from Ambrose to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Don graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1954 and immediately joined the U.S. Navy. He served in the Navy from 1954 to 1963 and was honorably discharged in 1963. Following his tour with the Navy, Don returned to Coeur d’Alene and attended North Idaho Junior College where he studied auto mechanics.

While in school, Don met Betty Pearson. They both became deeply in love with each other and were married on Aug. 22, 1958. They would share in the joy of 58 years of marriage. During their life together God blessed Don and Betty with four children: Dan (Angie), Kent (Georgette), Jim (Diane) and Becky (Bill). Their four children blessed them with 13 grandchildren who in turn blessed them with 20 great-grandchildren. Don made his living in the plumbing business. He trained to be a plumber under Robert Croot. Eventually, Don purchased and changed the name to C&R Plumbing from Robert Croot in 1969.

Don was a devout Christian and his faith influenced every aspect of his life. He was a member and one of several elders of the Dalton Gardens Church of Christ where he and Betty attended, served and led. Don also was deeply supportive and involved with 180 Living, a ministry to downtown Coeur d’Alene.

Don is survived by his wife, Betty; by his four children and their spouses; and by all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as his brother, Larry of St. Maries and his sister, Gwen Hauck of Hayden Lake. Don is also survived by many nieces and nephews; and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Eldon and Howard Sr.; and sister Lois.

Don served on the Idaho State Plumbing Board, as well as the Board of Directors for Columbia Christian College. Don loved to fish, to travel, to read his Bible and pray, to worship and to spend time with family and friends. Don was a hardworking, astute business man, but what he is remembered for most by his family and friends was his generous and caring spirit that flowed from his deep faith and commitment to Jesus Christ.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 15, 2017, at Dalton Gardens Church of Christ. Burial will follow at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens.

Family request in lieu of flowers, donations be given to two of Don’s favorite mission works: 180 Living and Heaven Sent Ministries (disaster response). Donations can be sent on behalf of both to Dalton Gardens Church of Christ, 6439 N. Fourth St., Dalton Gardens, ID 83815.

Yates Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements. You may visit Don’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfunealhomes.com.