Robert “Bob” Jude, age 78, of Maple Lake, died suddenly on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, at his home of natural causes.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, Maple Lake with Fr. Kevin Magner as Celebrant.
Burial will follow at St. Timothy Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, both at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Maple Lake. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials are preferred to the St. Timothy Endowment Fund.
Robert James Jude was born on May 28, 1945, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to Donald and Margaret (Kotilinek) Jude. Bob grew up on the Jude family farm and was a lifelong Maple Lake resident. He attended school at St. Timothy Catholic School and Maple Lake High School. After school, Bob farmed alongside his father, until being united in marriage to Helen Otto on Aug. 28, 1965, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Delano. Shortly after their marriage, Bob and Helen purchased a farm west of Maple Lake. They made the farm their home, where they raised their four children.
Bob was a dedicated farmer, passionately working in the agriculture industry throughout his life. Guided by his unwavering work ethic, he tended to his land and his animals with love and commitment. His love for farming extended beyond the fields; it was the roots of his existence, nurturing not only crops but also the values he instilled in his family. In addition to farming, Bob also worked in sewer construction as a member of the Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 563. He worked for over 30 years with C.S. McCrossan out of Maple Grove, retiring as a foreman.
Bob’s devout faith was of utmost importance to him, and his caring nature shone through in his love and compassion for his family. He was a lifelong member of St. Timothy Catholic Church, where he was baptized, received First Communion, and was confirmed. He gave of his time through various organizations, such as Wright County Pork Producers, grilling more than 10,000 pork chops per year. He also served as an Albion Township Supervisor.
Aside from toiling on the farm, Bob found joy in various activities that brought him closer to his loved ones and the nature he cherished. Whether it was bowling, dancing, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting, gardening, or simply taking a crop tour, Bob embraced life’s vibrant moments and created countless cherished memories. Bob was a dedicated fan who enthusiastically cheered on the Minnesota Vikings, Twins, and Gophers. Bob also enjoyed a good western movie and a kettle of popcorn and spending quality time with his family.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Helen of Maple Lake; children, Robert E. “Bobby” (Karen) Jude of Maple Lake, Rebecca “Becky” (Tim) Pribyl of Clearwater, William “Bill” Jude of Buffalo, and Brent (Lisa) Jude of Maple Lake; grandchildren, Adam and Eric Jude, Jill (Dennis) Wittrock, John (Claire) Pribyl, Tyler (Katelyn) Jude, Brandon Jude (girl friend, Torri), Bradley “Red” Jude, and Allie Jude; great-grandchildren, James, Annie, Oliver, and Waylon; sister, Marilyn (Steve) Fobbe; sister-in-law, Judy (Len) Kaseman; brothers-in-law, James (Karen) Otto, Richard (Seda) Otto, Edward (Wendy) Otto, and Robert (Carole) Otto; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Margaret; grandparents, Joseph and Mary Jude and Walter and Mary Kotilinek; brothers, Douglas and Kenneth (Myrna) Jude; and godparents, Bob and Betty Stuhr.
Bob’s grandsons and grandson-in-law will serve as casket bearers. His granddaughters will serve as gift bearers. Krista Elsenpeter and Shannon Paumen will provide music for the service.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.
The obituary, guestbook, video tribute and funeral webcast are online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.