Eric Ruud

May 30, 1953 - December 19, 2024

Eric Ruud, 71, of Normal, passed away December 19, 2024, at the Sugar Creek Alzheimer's Special Care Center, Normal.

Since Eric would rather have a party than a funeral, an open house will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Bone Student Center, Normal, to celebrate a life well lived.

Born May 30, 1953, in Dixon, Ill., to Rachel and Thomas Ruud, Eric moved to Normal at the age of 10. He married the love of his life, Brenda Temke, on October 4, 1986, in Pontiac, Ill. She survives. Eric also leaves behind his beloved children, Caitlin Ruud, Normal and Christopher (Kaitlynn) Ruud, Louisville, Ky., and his much cherished grandson, Oliver Eric Ruud. He is also survived by his sister, Diane Moss; and brother, Thomas Ruud; brothers-in-law, Mike Moss and Scott Temke; along with his nieces, Sarah and Allison Walburn; and nephews, Mark Moss, Andrew and Gerald Temke.

Eric was a 1971 graduate of University High School, Normal. He earned his bachelor's degree in Political Science from Illinois State University in 1975 and his Juris Doctorate from Southern Illinois University School of Law in 1980.

After spending 28 years as an Assistant State's Attorney, a career he loved, he retired as First Assistant State's Attorney, Civil Division. Failing retirement, he soon began working full time as a professor in ISU and Illinois Wesleyan's College of Business where he taught business law for another 11 years, only retiring from ISU in 2020 due to his health. His passion and enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring countless students, never waned.

Eric was a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan and enjoyed many trips to Busch Stadium with Chris. He loved traveling with Brenda, especially trips to England to visit Caity. He took great pride in being a U-High grad, playing on the 1970 undefeated football team and being student council president.

Above all, his greatest pride was his family. He always wanted to be a grandfather and three weeks before his death, he got to meet Oliver. He was beyond thrilled.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Sugar Creek for the loving and compassionate care they provided Eric during his final year battling Alzheimer's.

Online condolences and memories of Eric may be shared with his family at www.calvertmemorial.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Pantagraph on Mar. 9, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Eric Ruud

13 Entries

Ronald Parkin

May 26, 2025

I knew Eric from high school days. Every Saturday UHigh and NCHS friends would gather at Oakdale school and play softball. Eric was a regular and we all enjoyed his humor. He was a great friend and I always thought of Eric with fondness!
We had connected on Facebook and I was always impressed with his accomplishments! May Eric´s memory bring all those who loved him, peace and serenity.
Ronald Parkin
Arizona

Scott and Meredith Verbest

Planted Trees

Mindy Taylor

March 15, 2025

Warmest condolences to your family, Brenda. What an amazing man. I've always loved this picture of you guys. The love in your eyes is undeniable.

Andrea Markert

March 11, 2025

Caity and Chris,

I so enjoyed every time I had the opportunity to talk with your dad. His positivity and smile were something that will always be remembered. He was always a Pioneer, and he will be missed.

Andrea Markert

Patricia Kinsella

March 10, 2025

Eric was in my UHigh class of `71. I came from a small parochial grade school and his smile and friendly nature broke through this girl´s shyness and helped me gain confidence. What a truly great and caring person! My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Laurie Burke

March 10, 2025

Eric kept the Class of '71 together for 49 years and we missed him terribly at our 50th--it's just not the same without him. We will celebrate our 54th by celebrating Eric. Thanks for including us in the party!

Jerry Worden

March 10, 2025

Brenda and Family, please accept our heartfelt condolences. It was a blessing to know Eric. I can still picture his big smile and hear his joyful laughter. He was always a worthy advocate for justice. He led a life worth celebrating... I hope to see you in May!

Julie

March 10, 2025

Such a all around great guy much loved by all who knew him my prayers for his family and friends,also a fellow u-high grad

Terry Lindberg

March 9, 2025

We had a lot of fun during the time we shared at McLean County and, along the way, maybe made life a little better for our residents. RIP.

Lynn Hiestand

March 9, 2025

Eric and I went to prom together at U High, and maybe a Homecoming dance or two. He was a great guy and I will always remember him with much fondness. His family is in my thoughts and prayers,
Lynn Hiestand, U High Class of 1971

john foster

March 9, 2025

Brenda
So sorry to hear about Eric. He was a wonderful person.

Michael Eklund

March 9, 2025

Eric was one of the first friends I had after moving to Normal and entering Chiddix Junior High. We were both members of St. John's Lutheran and classmates at University High and Illinois State University. One of the most respected members of our class of 1971 at U High, he helped organize many of our reunions. Rest in peace, my friend.

Dan Kniery

March 9, 2025

The gang At Mikes Market remember him well. Always a joke or poking fun at the Cub fans in the meat dept.

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results