Lorraine Rude

Lorraine Rude, 79, of Langdon, ND, passed away February 14, 2024, at Langdon Prairie Health in Langdon.

Lorraine Kalis was born to Theodore and Angeline Kalis on December 28, 1944.  She grew up in Walhalla, ND, where she was known by her nickname “Betsy” and enjoyed a childhood surrounded by her many siblings (Angeline, Patricia, Elizabeth, Robert, Richard, Charly, and Ronny).  On January 23, 1965, she married Walter Rude from Langdon, and they made a life together farming and driving school bus.  They were blessed to welcome their son, Randy, in 1966. Lorraine loved life and had many hobbies, including country music, visiting, playing cards, picking berries, and hosting family picnics and baseball games at the farm. She also loved to cook and bake and was known for making the best bars in the county.  Lorraine’s love of life extended beyond her immediate circle. She worked at the Cavalier County Memorial Hospital as a CNA for more than 30 years where she formed numerous lifelong friendships and provided care and comfort for many in the community.  Lorraine was a devoted Catholic and a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. In the later years of her retirement, you could often find her volunteering at the local food pantry. Lorraine’s family continued to grow when her son met and married Kim (Stegman) Rude in 1988 and then again with the arrival of her only grandchild, Kennedy Stegman Rude, in 1996.  Lorraine, Walter, and Kennedy spent a lot of time together over the years farming, doing crafts, playing games, and baking together.  

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents; husband Walter; sisters: Angeline, Patricia, and Elizabeth; brothers Richard Kalis and Robert Kalis; nephews: Kody Kalis, Shawn Kalis, Jason Kalis, Joey Hodge, Mark Rude, and Jared White; and nieces Lisa Hodge and Janet Olson.  Lorraine is survived by her son, Randy; daughter-in-law Kim; and granddaughter Kennedy.  Lorraine is also survived by her brothers Charly Kalis and Ronny Kalis; brother-in-law Larry Gellner; sister-in-law Mona Kalis; Rick and Priscilla Stegman; Peter and Patty (Stegman) Biron Family; David and Nicky (Stegman) Chambless Family; best friends Mary Ellen Heck and Barb Christianson; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.  

Lorraine fought cancer many times throughout her life until she was welcomed into the Kingdom of God on February 14, 2024. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Cavalier County Food Pantry, PO BOX 630, Langdon, ND 58249 or to the Cavalier County Cancer Crusaders at Choice Financial Bank, C/O Mickey Cain, 210 8^th Ave., Langdon, ND 58249.  

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at St. Alphonsus Church in Langdon, ND, with visitation starting at Noon at the church. Friends and family are encouraged to wear red in honor of Lorraine’s favorite color.