Michael "Mike" Wayne Ruud

Michael (Mike) Wayne Ruud, 56, of Duluth, MN, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026 after a courageous battle with Sarcoma cancer. Mike grew up in Karlstad, MN, and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. After graduating from Karlstad High School, he attended NDSU, and then entered the US Air Force in 1990, and was stationed at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida. Upon his discharge from the Air Force, he moved to Duluth, and continued his career working as a communications engineer and at the time of his death worked for Finley Engineering.

Mike married the love of his life, Paty Bernal, on October 5, 2002, at the Rose Garden in Duluth. They made their home in Duluth and from this union had a son, Michael. Mike and Michael were constant companions and through every challenge and surgery Michael faced, Mike was there to support and love him. They were ambassadors for the Children’s Miracle Network and made appearances on Capitol Hill in support of children with disabilities. The quiet sacrifices Mike made are a testament to his character and love for his family.

Mike will be remembered for his work ethic, helping his neighbors, and living a simple life that included family, friends, hunting, camping, snowmobiling, razor riding, and classic cars.

Mike developed a passion for engines and mechanics early in life. He spent time with his grandpa’s tinkering on machinery and reading their “Popular Mechanics.” At a young age he supercharged his matchbox cars and Tonka trucks, but his true automotive pride and joy was his 1965 Ford Mustang. He spent countless hours restoring, maintaining, cruising, and entering car shows with the classic. He was always ready to share its family history and his passion with anyone who would listen. Mike spent many happy Wednesday nights with his son and other classic car enthusiasts attending car shows in the area. Snowmobiles were also a passion of Mike’s. Whether he was tinkering with engines in the garage, or taking snowmobile trips with friends out West, he loved to be out on his sled.

Family was important to Mike. He looked forward to the Aune Thanksgiving gatherings at Aunt Jan’s, and the Christmas Day gatherings at Grandma Ruud’s. He made several trips with his family and parents to Florida, Colorado, South Dakota, and Montana. He also attended many Twins, Wild, and Vikings games, and took many trips to Mexico to visit Paty’s family.

Mike is survived by his wife, Paty, and his son, Michael; his parents, Wayne and Elaine (Aune) Ruud; and his sisters, Monica (Phil) Hart, Fargo, ND; and Mandi (Chad) Singleton, Aurora, CO; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his four grandparents and father-in-law.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, July 31st at the Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E. Second Street, Duluth. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Celebration.