Gary Rudningen

Gary M. Rudningen, age 65, of Willmar died Friday evening, Feb. 26, at his home in Willmar, surrounded by his family following a long battle with cancer.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 2 P.M., Wednesday March 2, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. (www.petersonbrothers. com)

Gary Marlow Rudningen was born on February 14, 1951 in Willmar, MN the son of Delores Rudningen. Gary grew up with his grandparents, John and Othelia Rudningen and resided in the Willmar area. On June 29th 1975 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Diane Tritabaugh. From this union, three children were born. Gary went on to graduate from Ridgewater College's Mechanist Program. He worked for the Willmar Regional Treatment Center for the majority of his life. Gary loved his family dearly and would do anything for a friend in need. Gary is remembered for his kind nature, big heart and great sense of humor. He could make anyone smile no matter the circumstances.

Gary is survived by his wife, Diane Rudningen of Willmar, son Jonathan (and Billi) Rudningen of St. Cloud, two daughters; Kathleen (and significant other, Nathan Waterman) Rudningen of Rosemount, and Amanda Duran of Minneapolis. Gary is also survived by his brothers and sisters from California, Gilda, Delores, Kim, Johnny, Robin, William, Michelle, Ginger and Harriet and his mother-in-law, Dorothy Tritabaugh of Inver Grove Heights, besides other relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed by his 6 grandchildren, Lily, Logan, Ethan, Nathalia, Emmet and Noah.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Delores, grandparents John and Othelia Rudningen, brothers Sel and Mark and father-in-law, Wendell Tritabaugh.