Eric Allan Rudnik, 46, of Crookston, MN, battled ill health for several months before passing away Sunday evening, November 26, 2023, in Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, while surrounded by his loving family.
Eric was born in Crookston on February 13, 1977 to Curtis and LeeAnn (Otto) Parkin. He was baptized in the Lutheran faith and at the age of 5, following his mother’s marriage to Ralph Rudnik, was adopted by Ralph. Eric began his education in Crookston Elementary and Middle Schools. As he got a little older and in high school he excelled in sports, including football, wrestling, and track, while also earning the unofficial title of “Class Clown”. He was elected Homecoming King in his Senior year and proudly graduated as a member of the Class of 1995. Eric went on to attend the Northwest Technical College in East Grand Forks and completed his study of Carpentry, graduating in 1997. He then established E & J Construction which later became known as Rudnik Construction. On April 15, 2000 he was united in marriage to Maggie Duckworth and became father to her son, Landen. On April 23, 2001 Eric and Maggie welcomed daughter, Arlie, into the family.
Eric was a lifelong Minnesota Viking fan and his favorite color was what else….PURPLE. During his last days he shared with his family the hope that he might someday watch from Heaven and with God’s help see the Vikes win a Super Bowl. UND Hockey was a favorite way to spend the winter and he and Arlie enjoyed lots of quality time together at the Ralph cheering the team on. In later life Eric met the love of his life, Tiffany Sterry, and they were planning to soon be married. Eric remained busy with his construction business right up to the present time, and was looking forward to next year’s fishing opener and the fall hunting season.
Eric enjoyed the brotherhood of fellow firefighters as he served with the Crookston Volunteer Fire Department from 2008 through 2019. He was an organizer of the Ice Buster Days event held every winter, and a longtime volunteer for the Fire Department’s Toys for Tots Christmas fund raiser, which gave him the opportunity to be Santa Claus! Eric also found time to participate in area Demolition Derbys and liked going to concerts. He loved his family dearly and will be forever missed by them and all who were part of his life.
Eric is survived by his fiancé, Tiffany Sterry and her daughters, Jazmyn and Olivia, of Thief River Falls, MN; son, Landen Duckworth-Rudnik, and daughter, Arlie Rudnik, of Crookston; parents, Ralph and LeeAnn Rudnik and step-mother, Tammy Parkin, of Crookston; and siblings: Rachael (Rich) Kangesier of Crookston, Jonathan (Keri) Rudnik of Gonvick, MN, Alex (Sarah) Rudnik of Gentilly, MN, and Tyler (Brittanie) Rudnik of Crookston; nieces and nephews: Spencer Hopfauf, Gus, Mabel, and Wallace Kangesier, Leo, Greta, Hank, and Waylon Rudnik, and Charlotte and Annabelle Rudnik; together with a large extended family; and many, many friends.
Eric is preceded in death by his father, Curtis Parkin; an infant sister; nephew, Ian Hopfauf; grandparents: Herman and Marie Otto, Loren and Gertrude Parkin, and Clarion and Florence Rudnik; and several aunts, uncles, and other family members. Blessed be the memory of Eric Allan Rudnik.
Eric’s life will be celebrated at a Memorial Service to be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 1, 2023, in the Trinity Lutheran Church, Crookston, with The Rev. Greg Isaacson, officiating. Visitation will be at Trinity Friday morning from 9 to 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the family to be distributed evenly among the causes that were near and dear to Eric’s heart. The service will be livestreamed by going to Eric’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com and clicking on the prompt to view. Messages of condolence may be offered to the family via the funeral home website as well.
