Pine Knot News - A hometown newspaper with a local office, local owners & lots of local news

Neil W. Rule, 83, of Cloquet, passed away Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, at Inter-Faith Care Center in Carlton. He was born July 31, 1937, in Bear River, Minnesota, the son of Charles and Thelma (Hagsten) Rule.

Neil attended Cherry High School, where he met his wife of 60 years, Carol Lahti Rule. He was a member of the Army National Guard. An apprenticeship led to a 40-year career as a proud meat cutter, "not a butcher," as he would say.

Throughout his life he enjoyed hunting, camping, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, family time and vacations. After retirement he and Carol enjoyed time at casinos. It was a great social place, always finding new people to tell his many stories to. He was a diehard Vikings fan, the roof rattled when he would watch a game and give the referees his advice, especially when the Vikings played the Packers. He also enjoyed the Minnesota Twins.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Thelma Saukko and Charlie Rule; and a brother-in-law, Howard Lahti. He is survived by wife Carol; children, Russ (Ann) Rule, Denise (Barry) Sartor, Dennis Rule; grandchildren, Tasheana, Jeremiah, Cole and Olivia; four great-grandchildren, Jolana, Jayden, Benson, and Luca; brothers, Clifford (Vira), Keith (Carla), Vernon (Candy); many cousins, nieces and nephews; a special uncle, Harry (Jean) Hagsten; and a sister-in-law, Jodie Lahti.

Neil spent the last three years at Inter-Faith. The family would like to thank the center for its care of Neil. He was loved and cared for by the amazing staff.

There is a special place in the hearts of our family for our newest family member Patti. Chaplin John was a great comfort in the final days.

Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Care. Due to Covid and the restrictions, the family will postpone a celebration of Neil's life. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Inter-faith Care Center or a charity of your choice.

We would love to have people share a story about Neil on the Nelson website or by reaching out to one of the family members.

Pine Knot News, Dec. 11, 2020