Bob Ruen

Friday, November 2, 2018 6:41 pm

Bob Ruen, 82, of Decorah, was called to his heavenly home Friday, Oct. 26, 2018, from the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family. Services were at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 2, at Glenwood Lutheran Church in Decorah, with Rev. Stacey Nalean – Carlson officiating. Organist was Kathy Tollefsrud. Music included “Amazing Grace,” “On Eagle’s Wings” and “How Great Thou Art.” Arrangements were handled by Schluter – Balik Funeral Home in Decorah. Honorary casket bearers were Tom Rima, Chad Wilson, Brian Gervais, Richard Matter, Gerald Johnson and Rick Burras.

Robert Durwin Ruen was born to Adolph and Harriet (Onsager) Ruen April 4, 1936, in Waukon. He was raised and educated in the Allamakee County area. He attended the Lee School, Glenwood No. 5 from second through eighth 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. 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 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, Minn.; his son, Robert Ruen, of Peyton, Colo.; grandsons, Parker and Jackson Hale of Grand Meadow, Minn.; his three sisters: Helen Hermeier of Decorah; Lucille (Dean Christianson) of Owatonna, Minn.; and Diane (Norbert Lovstuen) of Decorah; sisters-in-law: Sandy (Dan) Meyer, Atalissa; Kathy (John) Thomas, Cedar Rapids; Sue (Reuben) McCloud, Orlando, Fla.; 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; in-laws, Walter (Thelma) Sweet; Robert (Arlene) Clasen; brother in law, Rev. Allen Hermeier.