Time of Remembrance set for USA Wrestling leader Dave Rudrud in La Crosse, Wis., Saturday, October 26

USA Wrestling was saddened to hear that long-time USA Wrestling leader and respected coach Dave Rudrud, 74, of Trempealeau, Wis. passed away on Tuesday.

Rudrud was one of the most active volunteer leaders within USA Wrestling for many years, serving on its Board of Directors, Executive Committee and numerous standing committees. Rudrud was named USA Wrestling Kids Man of the Year in 1986 and USA Wrestling Man of the Year in 1987. A Wisconsin Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee, Rudrud coached the program at Holmen High School from 1978-2004.

The family has organized A Time of Remembrance for Dave Rudrud, which will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at the La Crosse Center South Ballroom, 300 Harborview Plaza in La Crosse, Wis. A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until time of remembrance service.

The family requests no flowers, please. There have not yet been any memorials planned in Dave’s honor, although the family will share that information with USA Wrestling when it is available.

Rudrud impacted wrestling in Wisconsin and on the national level in a variety of different ways. His leadership on the national level included work with USA Wrestling Kids program, as well as numerous roles among state association leaders. He was an event director for major USA Wrestling events. He served as a pairing official, helping organize and operate events on the national, regional and state levels. He also impacted the sport as a coach for decades. Rudrud also had a leadership role on the wrestling staff at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Ga.

USA Wrestling wishes to share its condolences with Dave’s family and his many friends across the nation. We keep those who were close with Dave in thoughts and prayers.

The official obituary for Dave Rudrud will be published shortly, and will be added to this story and on his online obituary page.