Dr. Donald W. "Doc" Rubel 1926 - 2017

SCHINDEL, RUBEL, THOMA

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/25/2017 at 17:06:14

SIOUX City Journal
22 January 2017

SIOUX CITY | Dr. Donald W. "Doc" Rubel, 90, of Sioux City, passed away Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, in Sioux City.

Memorial services will be 5:30 p.m. Monday at Wesley United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Todd Schlitter officiating. Cremation has taken place and burial will be at a later date in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 p.m. to service time Monday at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Online condolences may be given at www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Don was born Oct. 23, 1926, in Sioux City, the son of Wayne and Sibyl (Schindel) Rubel. He graduated from Leeds High School and then enlisted in the United States Army in 1944. After being honorably discharged as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1946, Don received his undergraduate degree from the University of South Dakota. He received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University in 1953.

Don married Patricia Thoma on June 19, 1948, in Sioux City, who preceded him in death on April 19, 1999. Don had a large-animal veterinary practice in the Sioux City and Hinton areas for many years and later opened a small-animal clinic in Leeds. He enjoyed golfing and fishing and was a master gardener, known for his gladiolas. Don was an accomplished violinist at a very young age, playing with the Sioux City Symphony while a high school student and later with the ISU orchestra.

Family was very important to Don, and he loved to watch his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren swim in the pool in his backyard. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and was also a member of Triangle Lodge 643 and the Sioux City Consistory.

Survivors include his children, Kathy Martin of Sioux City, Cristy (Dan) Hegarty of Storm Lake, Iowa, Timothy (Carla) Rubel of Sioux City, Julie McCord of Jenks, Okla., and Thomas Rubel and Paul Salinas of Washington, D.C.; 12 grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and eight great-stepgrandchilden.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Doc's memory to Sioux City Animal Adoption and Rescue, 2400 Hawkeye Drive, Hospice of Siouxland or Wesley United Methodist Church.

His family wishes to convey their appreciation and thanks to the staff at The Heritage at Northern Hills Assisted Living and Hospice of Siouxland for the care and love given to Don and to his family