Ruen, Robert Durwin 1936 - 2018
RUEN, ONSAGER, SWEET, HALE, HERMEIER, CHRISTIANSON, LOVSTUEN, MEYER, THOMAS, MCCLOUD, CLASEN
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 12/10/2018 at 17:02:12
Robert Ruen, age 82, of Decorah, IA was called to his heavenly home on Friday, October 26, 2018 from the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 2, 2018 at the Glenwood Lutheran Church, 1197 Old Stage Road with Rev. Stacey Nalean-Carlson presiding.
Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at the Schluter Balik Funeral Home 604 South Avenue, Decorah and also after 10:00 a.m. at the church on Friday morning.
In lieu of flowers, Bob requests memorials to the Decorah Future Farmers of America and Winneshiek County Clover Club.
Robert Durwin Ruen was born to Adolph and Harriet (Onsager) Ruen on April 4, 1936 in Waukon, IA. He was raised and educated in the Allamakee County area. He attended the Lee School, Glenwood #5 from 2nd through 8th grade when his family moved to the family farm. Bob graduated from Waukon High School in 1954 where he ran track, sang in the men’s choir and was part of the undefeated football team his senior year. He was an active 4-H member under his father’s leadership and also achieved the Iowa State Farmer Award while participating with the FFA. Bob attended Iowa State College in Ames, IA. He was a member of the Army ROTC. A good friend encouraged him to join the Farm House Fraternity where he lived much of his junior and senior year. It was a brotherhood that brought great joy and pride to him over many years. He graduated with an Animal Husbandry degree on June 14, 1958. Bob started his vast resume’ of agricultural related careers, first working for the Soil Conservation Service and then teaching ag classes at Area One for over 10 years, prior to achieving a life-long dream of owning his own dairy farm in 1976. He retired from the farm in 1987 and moved his family to town. He worked in other ag positions until his official retirement. In addition to his love for agriculture, he had a life-long love for his church. He served in many roles at Glenwood Lutheran including council president, and as the treasurer for 15 years. He was most proud of serving on the building committee over the years that resulted in many improvements to a church, rich in Ruen history, that served as the foundation of his faith. Bob was most proud of his family and was quick to share stories of his children and grandchildren’s endeavors and milestones. During his years of retirement, he spent much time tinkering around their home and yard, planting many flower gardens and building a beautiful rock wall. He and his wife, Wanita, also enjoyed many wonderful travels and trips, both near and abroad, enjoying beautiful venues and making terrific memories together.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Wanita. His daughter and son-in-law: Julie and Troy Hale of Grand Meadow, MN. His son Robert Ruen of Peyton, Colorado. Grandsons: Parker and Jackson Hale of Grand Meadow, MN. His three sisters: Helen Hermeier of Decorah, IA; Lucille (Dean Christianson) of Owatonna, MN and Diane (Norbert Lovstuen) of Decorah, IA. Sisters-in-law: Sandy (Dan) Meyer, Atalissa, IA; Kathy (John) Thomas, Cedar Rapids, IA; Sue (Reuben) McCloud, Orlando, FL. Brother-in-law: Jay (Linda) Clasen, Kansas City, MO along with nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Adolph and Harriet (Onsager) Ruen. Father and mother-in-law: In-laws: Walter (Thelma) Sweet; Robert (Arlene) Clasen. Brother in law: Rev. Allen Hermeier.
Source: Schluter - Balik Funeral Home database
Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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