Garnett D. Rudie

Garnett D. Rudie passed away on May 26, 2024 at Sanford in Bismarck. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held from 2:00-4:00 pm, Saturday, June 15, 2024, at the Bismarck Elks Lodge, 900 S Washington Street, Bismarck.

Garnett was born February 24, 1954 to Gordon and Amie (Howard) Rudie at Trinity Hospital in Minot, ND. Garnett grew up on the family farm.  He had a close relationship with Lorraine Forsman and her family which continued to Garnett’s passing.  As a young man, he helped Frank and Donald Bauman with farm work.  He continued a close relationship with the Bauman family until Don’s passing in 2019.  From that point on, Lyle Harris enjoyed many phone conversations and in person visits with Garnett. Harley and Phyllis Rodne were instrumental in his childhood. His cousin, Marlys Norsby, from North Carolina kept in close contact with Garnett throughout his life. She enjoyed receiving many pictures and stories of his success.  Garnett's Godparents were Wilmar and Mary Ann Schenfisch. They were very close to Garnett. They would drop in and take him out to lunch whenever they were in Bismarck. He enjoyed Perkins with them a number of times. He was a graduate of Parshall High School in 1974. He then spent 35 years doing custodial work in North Dakota towns such as Parshall, New Town, Minot, and Bismarck. Before passing, Garnett was working for the Ruth Meier’s Hospitality House in Bismarck. 

Garnett bowled in multiple leagues each year at both Midway Lanes and 10 Spot.  His bowling skills qualified him to be inducted into the Bis-Man USBC Hall of Fame in the Ability Category in 2016.  There were several years he had averages over 200.  He achieved a 300 game on December 29, 2009 and a game of 299 just a short month later on January 26, 2010.  He wore a ring that symbolized his 300 game success regularly. He was known at the bowling alley for the smile on his face and the point he would always make to come over and talk to you.  

Garnett received his first pair of horseshoes at the age of 9.  He was taught the sport by Frank Ihle and participated in his first class E tournament in Dickinson, ND where he averaged 15%.   Although he did not win, it sparked a love for competitive horseshoes which lasted over 40 years. Garnett played in over 350 tournaments, 60 of which he won, and earned over 200 trophies.  He played in several national tournaments and took 2^nd place (Class E) in the 1978 World Tournament held in Des Moines, Iowa.  He also took 2^nd place (Class E) in the 1989 World Tournament held in Spearfish, SD. Garnett’s high game is 88.5% and his high ringer average is 71.8%. He won over 2000 games in his career. From 1978-1996, he played in the championship class for the state of North Dakota including State Champion titles in 1981 and 2005.  In addition, he was on the ND Horseshoe State Board and the Bismarck-Mandan Association Board. Garnett assisted the Tournament Director in running tournaments, including logging scores, checking score-sheets, scorekeeping and helping out with the concession stands during Local and State Horseshoe Tournaments.  Garnett was instrumental in construction of numerous horseshoe courts in Parshall, Stanley, Makoti, and Watford City along with running tournaments in these towns. He helped teach the game of horseshoes to many people, both young and old.  In 2012, Garnett received the prestigious honor of induction into the Horseshoe Pitchers Hall of Fame.

Garnett taught many people a lot of lessons in life. He was a simple man but also quite complex. He was notorious for having phone conversations that simply ended when he was done without barely saying goodbye.  He could often be found driving his prized scooter around town in Bismarck. He had a love of animals including a corgi named Rocco who he would howl just like. Many of his closest friends in recovery knew the pride he had as an active member of both AA and GA. He enjoyed many get togethers playing cards and celebrating freedom with those friendships.

Garnett was not married nor had any children, however, two very special people in his life were Jonathan and Marianne Plante of Bismarck. He was proud to be known as their adopted grandpa and was in regular attendance at many Saint Mary’s Central High School activities. When his health allowed, you could always find him along the sidelines on Smrekar Field watching football or in the bleachers for wrestling and at basketball and volleyball games talking sports history with anyone he greeted. He always counted on LeeRon and Ronnie Plante to give him a ride and Angela Plante to keep him informed of everything as his personal “Activities Director.” He cherished the fellowship and friendships he developed over the years with fellow attendees and wore his Saints Football attire whenever he could. 

Another highlight of his life included attending Dakota Speedway Car races every Friday night for over twenty-six years in both Minot and Bismarck.  He enjoyed being a part of Schlafman Team 71 racing. Garnett could be found enjoying rice Krispie bars amongst the fans and knew scoring and the point system for the racers whenever requested. Grateful to have shared his friendship over holidays and over the years will always be the family of Brent and Shelly Schlafmann. 

Garnett was preceded in death by both of his parents and his sister, Joleen. A special thank you to Dr. Pansegrau and all of the staff in the ICU at Sanford for the care he received.  The last lesson Garnett taught all of us was the significance of having your personal affair documentation in place. Garnett is a vessel to remind all to have the tough conversations but ensure that you have your POAs both medical and general, wills, trusts and contact information up to date. Your friends and family will be forever grateful. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Light of Christ Catholic Schools – Garnett Rudie Memorial. 1025 N 2^nd Street Bismarck, ND 58501.