Kenneth S. Rude, 82, died peacefully on Aug. 8, 2008, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls, after a prolonged illness with Parkinson's disease.

He was born Jan. 21, 1926, in Lewistown, the fifth of six children.

Kenneth is survived by his former wife, Dorene, and her husband, Jim McNulty; Kenneth's four children, Marcie Fisher and Duncan, Keith Rude, Kurt Rude and Rea, and Brad Rude and Lore; sister, Thelma Bissertt; sister-in-law, Coral Fyall; brother-in-law, Al Ploss and Takako; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

Kenneth enlisted in the Marine Corps at age 17 and was awarded a Purple Heart for wounds received during his service in World War II, where he was wounded in the first wave of troops on Iwo Jima. A fellow Marine buddy, Dale Cook, was a dear friend of Kenneth's until Kenneth's death.

As a young man, Kenneth was an amateur boxer, and later into adulthood he enjoyed participating in bowling tournaments.

He attended Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls, Ore., and had an extensive career in air conditioning and refrigeration.

A visitation will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. Burial will be afterward at the Montana Veterans Home Cemetery in Columbia Falls, with military graveside honors by the United Veterans of the Flathead and Montana National Guard.

Remembrances may be made to New Covenant Church in Kalispell, The Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls, or to the mission organization of your choice.