Ordell LaVern Gulrud

FITCHBURG-Ordell “Shorty” Gulrud, age 89, of Fitchburg, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on May 20, 1928, in Madison, the son of Carl and Minnie (Skaim) Gulrud. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.  Shorty loved spending time with family.  He was a kind generous soul who was a friend to everyone.  Selfless, always giving, never expecting anything in return. Shorty cared for his mother throughout his entire life, providing a home, and caregiving until her passing.  He used his construction talents to build homes for friends and family.  This devotion to his mother, family, friends and the homes he helped build, stand as monuments to his character and legacy.  Shorty's passions were gardening, euchre, gambling trips and bee keeping with "Zim".  He was extremely proud of his work for Attic Angels for over 14 years, and later at Oakwood Village.  Shorty loved spending time with his grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a great niece.  He would faithfully attend their various life events.  Shorty also enjoyed woodworking, RV trips, tinkering and a good warm beer.  After a lifelong friendship, Shorty and Pat formed a truly deep bond of love in the years following the death of Shorty’s brother, Pat’s husband Audrin.  They were wed on Oct. 26, 2004.  Shorty is survived by his wife, Patricia; daughter, Lauri (Marty) Koch; son, Greg Gulrud; five grandchildren, Devin Gulrud, Jennifer (Travis) Mobley, Nick (fiancé Alyssa Reifert) Koch, Jessica (fiancé Andrew Ollila) Koch and Emma Koch; sister-in-law, Evelyn Gulrud; brother, Dale (Virginia) Gulrud; two sisters, Ann (Ed) Damon and Marcia (DuWayne) Zimmermann; nephew, Rick (Rita) Radloff; great-niece, Asha Radloff; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Curt, Audrin, Spencer and Roger; niece, Brenda (Gulrud) Schneske; great-niece, Amy Damon; and brother-in-law, Ron Radloff.  Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, with the Rev. Jerry Amstutz presiding.  Burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park with military rites conducted.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, and from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Friday.  A very special thank you to the entire staff of Sienna Meadows and the Angels of Agrace HospiceCare for all of their wonderful caregiving and support given to Shorty and his family. We will be forever grateful.