Cora I. Rude, 90, of Eau Claire went home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, May 7, 2003 at her home, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on December 21, 1912 in Independence, Trempealeau County, the daughter of John and Emma (Espeseth) Polden. She was raised in Eau Claire, graduating from Eau Claire Senior High School. \r\nCora married Roy L. Rude on August 3, 1935 in Cleghorn, WI. They were married for 25 years and raised six children. Roy died in 1974.\r\nAs a very young girl she started baking bread and went on for many years baking bread rolls, pies and cookies. Cora had very little in life but she had her Lord. She had a very generous nature and always had something for everyone. \r\nCora was a long standing and honorary member of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Eau Claire. She was devoted to God and her church, and worked there for many years before retiring in 1965.\r\nSurvivors include her three daughters, Nancy Schlageter, Carlene Rude and Joanne Johnson all of Eau Claire; three sons, LeRoy Rude and Dennis (Diana) Rude both of Chippewa Falls and Timothy Rude of Eau Claire; eighteen grandchildren; thirty great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren; brother, Kenneth (Gloria) Polden; two sisters, Josie Monson and Jean Anderson all of Eau Claire and many nieces and nephews.\r\nShe was also preceded in death by her parents; a granddaughter, Michelle Schlageter-Vaudreuil; three brothers, George, John "Honey," and Olai Polden.\r\nCora was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother. She will be forever missed by all who loved her.\r\nFuneral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, May 12, 2003 at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd with Pastor Paul D.L. Oppedahl officiating. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery. Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and an hour prior to services Monday at the church.

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