Daniel “Dan” Francis Ruddy, age 65, of Glendive, passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at the Glendive Medical Center in Glendive.
A memorial service with military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glendive with Deacon Bob Ackerman officiating. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Dan was born on December 13, 1950 in Glendive to Clifford and Cecelia (Brunelle) Ruddy. He was raised and educated in Glendive, attending Sacred Heart School through the eighth grade and completing his education at Dawson County High School where he graduated with the class of 1969. After high school Dan went to work for the Northern Pacific railroad until he was drafted into the United States Army. Dan served as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne during the Vietnam War era. Upon his honorable discharge, Dan returned to Glendive and the Burlington Northern railroad.
Dan was united in marriage on January 29, 1977 to Kris Thompson and to this union three children were born. Later that same year Dan was transferred to Miles City for seven years and then to Greybull, Wyo. for seven more years before returning to Glendive to finish out his career. Dan retired from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad in 2007 when his health wouldn’t allow him to continue his work. He enjoyed his work on the railroad. Dan was one of only a few specialists who could wire explosives in order to clear the track. He worked well under pressure and was always called upon after a train derailment. Dan is the only Roadmaster to pick up the Barnum & Baileys Circus Train.
Dan enjoyed spending money, especially on cars, particularly Dodge. He was always buying, trading or leasing cars. During thirty-nine years of marriage, he and Kris had owned forty-three vehicles. He enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson and woodworking. Dan especially loved spending time with his family and friends. He liked to socialize and never turned anyone away from his backyard pool or anyone who needed a hand, you could always count on Dan to help anyone in need. Dan’s favorite holidays were Christmas and the 4th of July, he enjoyed the decorating and all of the explosions.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Clyde Thompson; and brother-in-law, Steve Thompson.
Dan is survived by his wife, Kris Ruddy of Glendive; three children, Rebecca “Becky” (Glenn) Quinnell, Rachel (Greg) Anderson and Ryan Ruddy all of Glendive; three grandchildren, Annie Ruddy, Julianna Ruddy and Levi Anderson; one great-grandchild on the way; brother, Mike Ruddy of Glendive; two sisters, Mary Ann Ruddy of Portland, Ore. and Susie (Les) Frank of Glendive; mother-in-law, Lorraine Thompson of Glendive; brother-in-law, Ken (Maggie) Thompson of Kalispell; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.