Warren Douglas Rueber

Warren Douglas Rueber was born on September 8, 1921, one of five children born to Gustav and Eva (Monroe) Rueber on a farm west of Maynard in Harlan Township, Fayette County, Iowa. He was baptized Sept. 9, 1921 by Rev. Fred Freutz and confirmed in 1935 by Rev. Otto C. Schultz at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Westgate, Iowa. He attended St. Peter Lutheran Parochial School and graduated from Maynard High School in 1939. Warren worked for Earl Foss Implement in Maynard prior to being drafted into the Army on Aug. 20, 1942. He served for four years at Camp Crowder, Mo. and Camp Polk, La., attaining the rank of first sergeant. On June 30, 1945, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Marthabelle Prickett.
Warren went into partnership with Earl from 1947-1951 after his discharge from the Army. In 1952, he bought a Chevrolet Dealership and moved to Westgate. His son Royce and daughter Reita were born there, and Warren continued in business for 32 years until 1984. His wife of 49 years died on June 24, 1994. Warren was a lifelong member of St. Peter Lutheran Church where he served as an elder, treasurer and chairman of the finance board. Warren was a member of Messerer-Fox American Legion Post # 92 for over 50 years and served his community as commander adjutant, service officer and membership chairman. He had been in charge of the firing squad for Memorial Day and funerals for many years. Warren's interest in vintage car parts kept him active for many years during his retirement. He enjoyed antique cars and entering his 1933 Chevy Master Eagle in local parades.

Warren died at the age of 89 years on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at the New Hampton Care Center, New Hampton, Iowa of natural causes. Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Westgate, Iowa. Pastor Ronnie Koch of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg, will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. on Saturday until service time at the church. Interment will be at St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery at Westgate with military graveside rites by Messerer-Fox American Legion Post # 92.

He is survived by his daughter Reita (Joe) Irwin, Fredericksburg; a daughter-in-law, Carol Rueber of Sumner; and three grandchildren Aimee Rueber, Melbourne, Iowa, Adryan Jensen and Alan Irwin of San Diego, California.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife, his son, an infant brother, two brothers, and one sister.

Memorials may be given in his name to the Westgate Fire Department Building Fund or St. Peter Lutheran Church

Online Obituary at: www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com.