Rovang, Reuben Orlando 1923-2004
ROVANG, TINHUM, HOVDEN, DAHLE, RUDE
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 8/3/2012 at 14:42:12
Reuben O. Rovang, age 81, of Decorah, Iowa, died Tuesday evening, November 16, 2004 at Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital in Decorah following a sudden illness.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 20, 2004 at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Decorah, by the Rev. Kim W. Smith. Burial will be in Washington Prairie Lutheran Cemetery, with Full Military Honors by Helof-Holm V.F.W. Post No. 1977, Bernatz-Symonds American Legion Post No. 163 and D.A.V. Hamre-Giesen Chapter No. 8. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 P.M. Friday, November 19, 2004 at Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah and from 10:00-11:00 A.M. Saturday at the church.
Reuben Orlando Rovang was born October 11, 1923 on the family farm near Nordness, Winneshiek County, Iowa, the son of George and Ida (Tinjum) Rovang. He was baptized and confirmed at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Decorah. Reuben was a graduate of the Nordness Country School. He attended High School in Decorah.
He was united in marriage to Delores Hovden on October 8, 1950 at Madison Lutheran Church is rural Ridgeway, Iowa. To this union four children were born: Rodney, Doreen, Randy and Gene.
Reuben was a World War II Veteran of the US Army, serving from February 17, 1945 until being honorably discharged as a Sergeant on November 28, 1946. During his tour of duty, he served overseas during and after the fall of Japan. Prior to his war service, he worked in the defense industry helping to build B-17 bombers.
Reuben was a life-long farmer and was proud of his farm which has been in the Rovang Family for over 150 years. His memberships included Washington Prairie Lutheran Church, REC and the Luren Singing Society for many years.
Reuben worked for other farmers in the area and did some custom farm work. He also hauled canned milk for the Nordness Creamery.
Reuben loved the outdoors and watching wildlife. While living on the farm he enjoyed various chores, including cutting firewood, fixing fences and checking on his cattle. He was a diehard fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Chicago Cubs and the Decorah Vikings. He enjoyed watching Western movies, listening to polka music and had a special fondness for Oliver tractors. During the winter you could still find him taking a sled down the driveway. Each day he would record the weather and daily events in his diaries that he maintained for over 30 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Irvin and George Rovang, Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Delores of Decorah, IA., four children, Rodney Rovang of Marquette, IA., Doreen Rovang of Decorah, IA., Randy (Deb) Rovang of West Union, IA., Gene Rovang of Decorah, IA; three grandchildren, Travis, Nicole and Hailey Rovang of West Union, IA; a brother, Gordon (June) Rovang of Decorah, IA; two sisters-in-law, Audrey (John) Dahle of Ridgeway, IA. and Marion (Bill) Rude of Decorah, IA.; one brother-in-law, Alton (Judy) Hovden of Cresco, IA and several nieces and nephews.
Source: Fjelstul Funeral Home database
Washington Prairie Lutheran cemetery
Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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