Sam Benjamin Rugtiv Sr. 1888-1923

RUGTIV, ROBB, WHEELER

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 12/7/2010 at 23:41:31

Funeral Services of Sam Benjamin Rugtiv
Sam Benjamin Rugtiv, son of Geo. O. and Mary Rugtiv, was born in Emmet Co., Sept. 10, 1888, and died in his home on South 10th street, Estherville, March 13, 1923. Age thirty-four years, five months and three days.

Mr. Rugtiv grew to manhood in this community receiving his education in the public schools of Estherville, and was united in marriage to Miss Olive Robb on Jan. 4, 1911, to which union were born four sons, Robb, Richard, John and Sam Benjamin, Jr.

As a young man Mr. Rugtiv was engaged in business working for the Eagle Clothing Co., and later went to West Bend where in partnership with Mr. Lawrence he conducted a clothing business as an active manager. After a few years’ successful career in this capacity he was compelled to give up the endeavor because of failing health. Returning to Estherville he engaged in the insurance business for a time but was compelled to abandon this also when a complete breakdown came.

He then spent several months in a State Hospital at Iowa City where he was under the personal care and closest observation of some of the most eminent physicians of the state, but as he showed no improvement they finally abandoned all hope of restoring him to health and he returned to Estherville where he has since remained surrounded by his wife and little ones, and where he could have the consolation of cheering words from his friends.

Although he had almost constant medical attention for five years, at no time was any hopes of permanent recovery held out to him, yet he remained optimistic through it all believing that by some providential help he would yet win in the great struggle. This optimism remained with him to the very end, when on Tuesday morning at an early hour he yielded in the bravely fought battle and quietly entered into eternal rest, passing to that bourne from which no traveler ever returns.

In early childhood Mr. Rugtiv was confirmed in the faith of the Lutheran church. Later he united with the Masonic lodge and the Order of Elks of which organization he remained a member at the time of his death. His happy disposition and optimistic view of life made him a favorite among his fellow member and his friends were numbered only by the limits of his acquaintance.

He is survived by his wife and four children; his father and mother; one brother, Oscar of Oaks, N.D.; and two sisters, Mrs. H. L. Wheeler of Humboldt, Iowa, and Miss Winnie Rugtiv of Estherville. Besides these there are a great host of friends and neighbors who deeply sympathize with the bereaved family and very keenly feel their loss in his death.

Funeral services were held from the Methodist Episcopal church Thursday afternoon in charge of the Rev. J. W. LaGrone. Many beautiful flowers were brought by old friends and members of the Lodges of which he was a member and by his loved ones. Large numbers of his neighbors came to express their sorrow and to pay parting tribute of love and respect. The body was buried in the family lot in Oak Hill cemetery where the Masons had charge of the services. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, March 21, 1923)

Death came early Tuesday morning to relieve the long suffering of one of our Estherville boys, Ben Rugtiv. For several years Mr. Rugtiv has been suffering with a disease of the heart. He has done everything known to the medial science to relieve his condition. About ten days ago he became afflicted with the flu and from the effects of this disease on his weakened system he passed away.

Ben, as everyone knew him, was a genial fellow, well met, for several years he was connected with the H. H. Lawrence clothing company. It was here the public learned his genial qualities. Ben had never a complaint and always a joke and a smile for all. After he entered business in West Bend his condition became worse and he was compelled to quit business and return to this city. He was united in marriage to Miss Olive Robb, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Robb, also a life long resident of this community. To this union there were four children born. For the past three years Mr. Rugtiv has been engaged in the insurance business but of late has been wholly unable to do any work. However, he was a young man who persisted in making an attempt to keep his end up, and did what he could to the last. The funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon from the Methodist church at two thirty, the Rev. LaGrone officiating. Interment will be made in Oak Hill cemetery. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, March 14, 1923)

Sam Benjamin Rugtiv Died Tuesday Morning
Had Been Sick for Three Years – Son of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. O. Rugtiv

The death of Sam Benjamin Rugtiv which occurred at two o’clock yesterday morning at his home on south Tenth street removes from our midst one of the finest young men of this city. Born in this county on September 10, 1888, he had practically made his home in Emmet county during his life. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. George O. Rugtiv, residing on north Sixth street, one of the pioneer families of this part of the state. Ben grew to manhood in this city and was personally known to everyone in this community. He was educated in the Estherville schools and later employed in the Eagle Clothing store. Eight years ago in partnership with H. B. Lawrence he started a clothing store at West Bend and went there as a manger for five years when his health failed him and he came back to Estherville to be among friends in his final sickness. For three years he has suffered with heart trouble and strong will power seemed the only thing that kept him alive. Prominent physicians were summoned and he was advised to go to Iowa City where special treatment was administered but to no avail. He then consulted the Mayo Brothers at Rochester but they gave him no encouragement and he came home to fight the battle alone and with the assistance of relatives and friends. There was no encouragement given him by the medical fraternity. He made a gallant fight but lost. He was the most cheerful of them all. He was not afraid to die and had lived a life that certainly meant a place in heaven if such there be. He was of a happy disposition and looked upon the brighter side of life in every sense of the word. He was married twelve years ago to Miss Olive Robb, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Robb of this city and leaves a wife and four sons, Robb R., Richard, John and Benjamin Jr., a father and mother, two sisters, Mrs. Harry Wheeler, of Humboldt, Iowa, Winnifred, of this city and a brother, Oscar, of Oakes, N. Dak., all of whom will be present at the funeral to be held in the Methodist church at 2:30 tomorrow afternoon. His remains will be interred in Oak Hill Cemetery. (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, March 14, 1923)