Merlin Rudrud

Merlin Rudrud, age 98, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the St. Vincent Nursing Home in Bismarck, North Dakota on September 3, 2025.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, September 10 at the First Presbyterian Church, 214 E. Thayer, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00PM, Tuesday, September 9 at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E, Divide Avenue, Bismarck.

Merlin was born in Hillsboro, North Dakota on September 26, 1926. He graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1944 and was on active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1944 until 1946. He graduated from N.D.S.U in 1949 with a degree in Architecture where he was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity and enjoyed playing in the N.D.S.U Bison Band.

Merlin was married to Beverly Thompson in 1956 in the Bismarck Presbyterian Church and they remained lifelong active church members.

Merlin had a long and successful career with Ritterbush Associates Architects and Engineers in Bismarck, working there for over 50 years, and was an active member of the North Dakota American Institute of Architects (A.I.A.). He was involved in the design of many Bismarck area schools, public arenas, churches, and office buildings including the Civic Center, Basin Electric Headquarters, Trinity Lutheran Church, MDU headquarters and the Bismarck Airport.

Merlin enjoyed golfing at Apple Creek Country Club and was an avid skier, enjoying the family trips to Terry Peak South Dakota and Big Sky Montana. Merlin and the Rudrud family always had fun during their many summer sailboat outings to Lake Isabelle and Heart Butte. Merlin was a member of the Bismarck Elks Lodge 1199 where he was very active in the Elks Band over the years.

His favorite times were those spent with family and friends.

Merlin is survived by his sons John (Bismarck, ND) and Paul (Rochester, MN)

He was preceded in death by his wife Beverly and his son, Bruce.

We want to recognize the remarkable care provided at St. Vincents and all the wonderful staff and residents that became friends of Merlin during his time there.