Sally Rugroden

Sally Ann Rugroden, age 66, of Blaine, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in her home on Sunday, November 3, 2024 after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Sally was born on October 4, 1958, to Donald and Mary Rose (Zilka) Weiland in Alexandria, MN. She was baptized at St. Olaf Catholic Church, Elbow Lake, MN, and confirmed at Our Lady Of The Runestone Catholic Church, Kensington, MN. Sally grew up on Elk Lake near Hoffman, MN. She graduated from Hoffman High School in 1977 and Dakota County Area Vocational Institute in 1978 where she studied to earn her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) designation. Sally met the love of her life, John Rugroden, at Elk Lake Beach during the summer of 1976. They were united in marriage on June 9, 1979.

The couple first started their married lives in Shoreview, MN and later built their home in Blaine, MN. They were blessed with 3 children - Brent, Kim, and Donny. Sally will be remembered for her kindness, humor, and nurturing spirit. Sally was a primary care nurse (LPN) for 28 years (last 21 years with Allina Health Coon Rapids Clinic), and operated a home daycare for 16 years. Her involvement in the community included volunteer work for Feed My Starving Children, Girl Scouts and teaching religious ed., just to name a few. She was a dedicated mother and an avid reader. Camping trips were central to her family life. She also enjoyed spending time traveling with her husband, biking, hiking and anything to do with activities in and on the water. She was honest to a fault and charmed everyone she met. Sally will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the community.

Sally is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, John of Blaine; children, Brenton (Jennifer) Rugroden of United Kingdom, Kimberly (Jeffrey) Villalpando of Alaska, and Donald Rugroden of Japan; grandchildren: Ada Rugroden, John Rugroden, Lukas Villalpando, Liam Villalpando, Jonathan Villalpando, and Persephone Villalpando; and sister Susan (Scott) Holl of Hoffman. She is preceded in death by her parents; mother and father-in-law: Leslie "Bud" and Kimiko Rugroden; and brothers: Anthony (Tony) and Terrance (Terry) Weiland.

Memorial Service will be held at Church of St. Timothy (707 89th Ave. NE, Blaine) on Saturday, November 16. Visitation starting at 10 AM, followed by Mass at 11 AM with reception and lunch to follow the service. Private family interment will be held at a later date.