Daryl Rudquist

Daryl Rudquist, age 79, passed away on September 20, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Society in Pine River, MN.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he was the son of George E. Rudquist and Florence (DeMars) Rudquist. Following George’s death in WWII, he was raised by his mother and stepfather, Milan Brown, in Crystal, Minnesota. In 1975, Daryl moved his family to Backus, Minnesota, and co-owned D.A.D.’s Elwell Store with his brother Donald Rudquist and his uncle, Alex DeMars. Additionally, he worked at the Badoura State Forest Nursery and was a sheep farmer for a short time. Shortly after being diagnosed with Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) in 1991, he retired early from the nursery.

Daryl lived life on his own terms. Despite the physical challenges brought on by ALD, he continued to engage in various entrepreneurial endeavors throughout his life. In 1992, he co-founded the Minnesota Broken Wing Connection, a non-profit organization that provides people with physical disabilities a once-in-a-lifetime pheasant hunt and outdoor activities that would otherwise be inaccessible to them. He was involved with the United Leukodystrophy Foundation for many years and volunteered for numerous research studies to advance the knowledge and treatment of ALD. Daryl was an Army Veteran of the Vietnam War, a member of the American Legion, and a Veterans of Foreign Wars member.

He is survived by his daughter, Patricia Nadeau; son, George Rudquist; and grandchildren, Bradley Rudquist, Ty Nadeau, and Katelyn Rudquist. He was preceded in death by his father, George Rudquist; mother, Florence Brown; stepfather, Milan Brown; daughter, Paula Rudquist; brother, Donald Rudquist; brother, Gary Brown; and sister, Reyna McLean.

Memorial Services will be held on September 28, 2024, at the Brenny-Kline Funeral Home in Pine River, Minnesota. Visitation will be held from 1 PM until the time of service at 3 PM. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Minnesota Broken Wing Connection at 11620 94th Ave NE, Spicer, MN 56288.