Monica Christine Rudnik, 35, of Grafton, ND, passed away Saturday, January 24th, 2026 in her home. She was born on January 29, 1990 in Grand Forks, ND to Steve and Mary Rudnik. She was born with spina bifida and had many challenges ahead of her from the start. She overcame every obstacle and got stronger after every surgery she underwent. Her childhood was filled with trying to keep up with her older brothers Steven and Matthew. As she grew older, she attended school in Grafton and graduated from high school in 2009. She then attended Lake Region State College in Devils Lake where she earned her associate degree. She returned to Grafton after graduating and began working at Hanson’s Auto & Implement as their receptionist. She worked there for 19 years – she was so proud of her work and loved greeting everyone with a smile.
Monica loved fiercely; spending time with her dear family and friends was her favorite pastime. She was deeply faithful and was a dedicated patron of St John’s Catholic Church. She dedicated hundreds of hours to crafting the most special gifts for those she loved. She enjoyed traveling, fishing on her boat, going to car shows, caring for her dogs, and keeping close tabs on her brothers at the farm. Monica was most proud of her role as “Auntie M” to her nephews Owen (2.5y) and Kolten (5m). She was a dedicated aunt who knew how to make them giggle more than anyone. She will always be remembered for the abundant love she offered to everyone in her life.
Monica is survived by her parents, Steve and Mary (LaHaise) Rudnik of Grafton; brothers Steven (Kelsy) Rudnik of Grafton and Matthew (Lexi) Rudnik of Grand Forks; beloved nephews Kolten of Grafton and Owen of Grand Forks; and many dear aunts and uncles: Danny (Carol) LaHaise, Bonnie McCartney, Tom (Mary) LaHaise, Patsy (Don) Flood, John (Colleen) LaHaise, Jeanne (Dave) Droske, Elizabeth LaHaise, James (Kim) LaHaise, Diane Cox, Shirley Bruers, and numerous cousins. She is preceded in death by her grandparents George & Georgette LaHaise, Henry & Adelaide Dvorak, and Steve S. Rudnik; and aunts and uncles: Angeline & Pike Berger, George Cox, Bill Bruers, and Robert McCartney.
A celebration of Monica’s beautiful life will take place on Thursday, January 29th, 2026 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Grafton, ND with a visitation at 9:30am, funeral at 10:30am and meal to follow. The family only asks that you keep her memory alive in your hearts, but if you choose to send gifts in lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Grand Forks Children’s Museum to let her name live on in a place dedicated to joy and growth for kids in honor of her young nephews that she loved so dearly. Memorials may be shared with the family or directly at the Grand Forks Children's Museum P.O. Box 5126 Grand Forks, ND 58206 or on their website.
The funeral service will be live streamed on the Tollefson Funeral Home website.
The Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton is in charge of the arrangements.
Monica loved fiercely; spending time with her dear family and friends was her favorite pastime. She was deeply faithful and was a dedicated patron of St John’s Catholic Church. She dedicated hundreds of hours to crafting the most special gifts for those she loved. She enjoyed traveling, fishing on her boat, going to car shows, caring for her dogs, and keeping close tabs on her brothers at the farm. Monica was most proud of her role as “Auntie M” to her nephews Owen (2.5y) and Kolten (5m). She was a dedicated aunt who knew how to make them giggle more than anyone. She will always be remembered for the abundant love she offered to everyone in her life.
Monica is survived by her parents, Steve and Mary (LaHaise) Rudnik of Grafton; brothers Steven (Kelsy) Rudnik of Grafton and Matthew (Lexi) Rudnik of Grand Forks; beloved nephews Kolten of Grafton and Owen of Grand Forks; and many dear aunts and uncles: Danny (Carol) LaHaise, Bonnie McCartney, Tom (Mary) LaHaise, Patsy (Don) Flood, John (Colleen) LaHaise, Jeanne (Dave) Droske, Elizabeth LaHaise, James (Kim) LaHaise, Diane Cox, Shirley Bruers, and numerous cousins. She is preceded in death by her grandparents George & Georgette LaHaise, Henry & Adelaide Dvorak, and Steve S. Rudnik; and aunts and uncles: Angeline & Pike Berger, George Cox, Bill Bruers, and Robert McCartney.
A celebration of Monica’s beautiful life will take place on Thursday, January 29th, 2026 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Grafton, ND with a visitation at 9:30am, funeral at 10:30am and meal to follow. The family only asks that you keep her memory alive in your hearts, but if you choose to send gifts in lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Grand Forks Children’s Museum to let her name live on in a place dedicated to joy and growth for kids in honor of her young nephews that she loved so dearly. Memorials may be shared with the family or directly at the Grand Forks Children's Museum P.O. Box 5126 Grand Forks, ND 58206 or on their website.
The funeral service will be live streamed on the Tollefson Funeral Home website.
The Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton is in charge of the arrangements.