Ronald Eugene Rugland, 85, passed away September 26, 2026 at home with family by his side.

A Memorial service will start at 11 a.m., on Thursday, October 15, at Eastgate Funeral Service, 3117 E Century Ave, with a visitation being held one hour prior to the service.

Burial will be held at the Mandan Union Cemetery.

Ronald Eugene Rugland, was born in Stanley, ND, October 27, 1940, to Bennie and Ella (Walhaug) Rugland. He grew up on the family farm. He attended grade school at Palermo Public School and grades five through eight at Redmond Township School before attending Palermo High School.

He spent eight years in 4-H and participated in livestock judging and showing at the North Dakota State Fair. He attended Minot State College for a year and a half. He worked in the oil fields and at missile sites before returning to college to pursue a career in education. In 1969, he earned a master’s degree in marketing education from the University of North Dakota.

His teaching career spanned from 1964 to 2000. He taught in Sydney, MT, and also served as teacher/principal at Outlook, MT; Zap and Streeter, ND. He spent 23 years at Mandan High School, where he taught business and marketing and advised DECA students, many of whom won state and national awards. He retired from Mandan Public Schools in 1996. He later taught business education part time at Driscoll until its closure in 2000.

In 1973, he married Maxine Ternes whom he met while teaching in Streeter, North Dakota. Together, they built a family that brought him great joy. Their sons, Brian Rugland and Lance Rugland, were born in 1974 and 1977.

In 2001, he took over the family farm. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, movies, traveling and especially spending time with his wife, sons, grandchildren, and friends. He was an active member of the NRA and MBRPA; he also contributed to many local charities.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Maxine; son, Brian (Jessica) Rugland and grandchildren, Avery and Addie; son, Lance (Jenny Hoaby); brother, Roger (Dodie) Rugland; sister-in-law, Maureen (Vern) Wandler; brother-in-law, Kevin Ternes; and brother-in-law, Bob Dewey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Ella Rugland; infant brothers; and sister-in-law, Kelly Dewey