Bernard “Ben” Julien Von Ruden

Bernard “Ben” Julien Von Ruden, aged 86, passed away on January 9, 2026, at Edencrest at Tuscany Care Center in Altoona, Iowa. He was born July 30, 1939, in Traill County, North Dakota to Victor John “Jack” and Othilda “Tillie” Von Ruden. 

Ben attended Morgan #4 Country School, Mayville High School, Mayville, North Dakota, and North Dakota State School of Science in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

He married Joyce Dragland in 1959, to that union children Michael “Mike” (Sandy), Joan (Robert) Von Ruden-Kruger, and an infant son were born.  He married Marsha Buckley Matthes in 1998. 

He retired in 2001 after working for Chatsworth Data, Collins Maxwell, Storage Technology Corp, and Meredith publishing.  Ben was an avid woodworker, making many items cherished by family members and worked making replacement pieces for a Jukebox restoration company, as well as many other miscellaneous companies.  He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joyce, their infant son, and siblings Margaret (Ted) Meier, Donald and Chuck (Lorraine) Von Ruden, in-laws Arnold (June) Buckley and many other in-laws.

He is survived by his wife Marsha, children Mike (Sandy) Von Ruden, Joan (Robert) Von Ruden-Kruger, Tracy Adams (Ryan Belieu), Kasey (Scott) Strosahl and grandchildren Nathan Kruger, Daniel Kruger, Solomon Strosahl, Jonas Strosahl, and Judah Strosahl. Sisters and brothers-in-law; Delores Von Ruden, John Stevens, Mavis Dahl, Juel (Sharon) Dragland, Don (Rosie) Dragland, Pat (Bruce) Davidson, Donna Burt, Tammy (Dave) Cooper, Darwin (Shelley) Buckley, and many nieces and nephews and his cherished dogs Rusty & Oreo.

A private family service will be held at a later date.