Richard W Brudevold

Richard Wesley Brudevold, 83, of Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away on Monday, December 9, 2024, at the Veteran’s Hospital of Fargo in Fargo, ND.

Born on January 26, 1941, at St. John’s Hospital in Fargo, ND, Richard was the son of Wesley and Bertha (Deardorff) Brudevold. He grew up in Golden Ridge and graduated from Central High School in 1959. Richard served in the U.S. Army from September 1959 through September 1962. After graduating from basic training at Fort Carson, Colorado, he was assigned to the 404 MP Company of the 4th Armored Division in Erlangen, West Germany. He earned recognition for outstanding leadership as the acting sergeant of the Erlangen Detachment.

Following his military service, Richard attended the University of Northern Iowa, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Education. He later joined the Peace Corps and spent a year teaching in Malaysia. Richard began his teaching career in the Waterloo School District in Iowa, where he taught grade school math. He furthered his education by earning a master’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa and subsequently became a principal, dedicating 38 years to the district.

In addition to his work in Iowa, Richard also taught at the Bearing Sea School District in Alaska for four and a half years while serving as their athletic director.

On December 29, 2001, Richard married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Schock. They shared a blended family of seven children, 14 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Richard cherished his friendships with five fellow principals from Waterloo, who affectionately called themselves "the Corporation." Together they enjoyed camping trips and maintained a spirit of kindness towards one another. Although he only went downhill skiing once, Richard was an avid reader who kept himself informed about current events through newspapers. He loved playing cards and had a passion for sports, particularly football. Additionally, he enjoyed golfing and occasionally went fishing for Beverly's enjoyment.

Richard was deeply involved in his church community and various local organizations. He was honored as an Emeritus Member of the Church Council at Lake Grove Church for his dedicated service. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 21 in Moorhead for over 25 years.

He is survived by his wife Beverly; children Andrew (Melanie) with their children Brayden, Cece and Christopher Brudevold; Nick with his children Anthony, Janessa, and Joshua; Carmen Brudevold; Charlotte (Don) Duin with their son Jonathan; Terisa (David) Ohnstad with their son Cole; April (Jason) Huso with their children Corbin Stolt, Connor Stolt, and Zander Huso; Danielle Ames with her children Megan Roy, Morgan Roy, and Kaitlyn Roy; along with many nieces and nephews.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents; son Billy; granddaughter Savannah; and siblings Carolyn (Vern) Peterson, James (Judy), and Robert (Nancy).

Funeral services for Richard will be held at David-Donehower Funeral Home, 609 US HWY 10 E., Detroit Lakes, MN 56501, on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 10 AM. Visitation will be one hour prior. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, ND. 

David-Donehower Funeral Home is serving the family. For more information, please visit DavidDonehower.com, or call (218) 847-4147.