Katie Marie Rud

Katie Marie Clemens was born on September 24, 1976, in Grafton, ND to David and Jody (Callahan) Clemens. She spent her early years on the family farm near Adams, ND. At age 14, her family moved to Fargo, where Katie attended Oak Grove School for a year and then graduated from West Fargo High School in 1995, where she sang in choir, participated in theatre, and made lasting friendships.

After high school, Katie followed her heart into nursing, studying at North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton where she earned her nursing license. It was during this time that she welcomed her first child, Kale, into the world—a blessing she cherished deeply. Katie spent several years caring for patients at Essentia West Acres in the Family Medicine clinic, where her gentle spirit touched many lives.

On April 20, 2012, Katie married Jon Rud, in Fargo. Together, they built a beautiful life and were blessed with twins, Adison and Danika. With the arrival of her girls, Katie embraced her greatest calling—being a devoted full-time mom. Her family later moved to Katy, TX, where she poured her heart into raising her children and supporting them in all their activities. In 2024, the family returned home to Fargo, a place that always held a special piece in Katie’s heart.

Katie’s strong and steady Christian faith guided her throughout her life. She also found joy in following politics, especially in supporting her father in his political career. She loved to travel with her family and treasured every opportunity to return to North Dakota to spend time with her loved ones.

Katie will be remembered for her warmth, her passion for her country, her deep love for her family, and her unwavering love for Christ. She will always be remembered for the quiet strength she carried through life. Katie found great joy in anything that brought family together.

She is survived by her husband, Jon of West Fargo; their three children, Kale of Houston, TX, and Adison and Danika at home; her parents, Dave and Jody Clemens of West Fargo; siblings Becky (Brian) Willits of West Fargo, Aaron Clemens of Fargo; and Molly (Kyle) Mack of Fargo; three nieces and one nephew. She is also survived by her parents-in-law, Marlowe and Pamela Rud of Dent, MN; brothers-in-law Dave Rud of Fargo and Mike Rud of Harwood, ND; along with one nephew and two nieces. Katie also leaves behind her dog Oliver, who rarely left her side.

Katie was diagnosed with cancer in March 2025, and with grace and courage, she fought her battle until she was called home on August 19, 2025, at Sanford Hospice House in Fargo.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 30, 2025, with Pastor Randy Hahne officiating. The location of the service is yet to be determined. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, with burial following at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Fargo, ND.