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Marion Ruebel Obituary
Dr. Marion A. Ruebel, 81, passed away September 28, 2014.
Born in Manson, Iowa, he obtained both his Bachelor and Master Degrees from Iowa State Teacher's College, Cedar Falls, Iowa (now the University of Northern Iowa) and his Ph.D. from Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. He was later honored by both institutions with the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award from Iowa State and inducted into the Hall of Excellence at Northern Iowa. A veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Korean Conflict, he was a member of St. Hilary Parish in Fairlawn. Dr. Ruebel was President Emeritus of the University of Akron.
His life centered on a commitment to family, friends and the value of a quality education, principles learned in his beloved Iowa home. Hard work and determination were essential while holding multiple jobs, pursuing his education, and helping his wife of sixty-two years, Neom, raise a young family. A teacher and coach in the Colo, Tripoli, and Oskaloosa, Iowa school districts, he eventually entered secondary school administration and later a research position with the Iowa Department of Public Instruction, a position he often recalled with fondness.
In 1970 the family moved to Akron after he accepted a position as an assistant professor of secondary education at the University of Akron. Over the next thirty years he would hold numerous leadership positions at the University including: Assistant Dean of the College of Education (1974-1978); Dean of the University College (1978-1989); Interim Senior Vice President and Provost (1990-1991); Acting President (1992); Director of Alumni and Government Relations (1994); and 14th President of the University of Akron (1996-1999). "Rube" would not want it forgotten that he spent several cherished years as President of St. Vincent/St. Mary High School (1994-1996), following one of several "retirements" from the University. Friends and family often teased regarding his multiple retirements suggesting he enjoyed the retirement gatherings. More than likely he could never shake his deep work ethic and commitment to helping others realize their potential.
Preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ruth; sister and brother-in-law, Elayne and Bob Schernekau; brother, Edward; brother-in-law, Leo Duncanson and sister-in-law, Kay Ruebel; he is survived by his wife, Neoma; daughters, Victoria (Thomas) Hardy, Sherri (Brian) Nank and Joni (John) Barnard; son, Tom (Lana) Ruebel; grandchildren, Ben (Emily) Nank, Leigh Hardy, Mackenzie Nank, Nick and Spencer Ruebel; great-granddaughter, Emma Nank; sister, Ruth Duncanson; brother, Leon (Mary) Ruebel; sister-in-law, Phyllis Ruebel; sister-in-law, Donna Schlemmer; brother-in-law, Ron Horbach; and Verlene Horbach; numerous nieces and nephews.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. FRIDAY at St. Hilary Catholic Church, 2750 W. Market St. Interment at Rose Hill Burial Park. Friends may call at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. THURSDAY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dr. Marion A. Ruebel Scholarship of Excellence, c/o The University of Akron Foundation, InfoCision Stadium, Akron, OH 44325-2603. To share a Memory, Send a Condolence, or Light a Candle, visit the Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marion Ruebel
Sponsored by Akron Beacon Journal.
Eve;um Whims
September 11, 2015
Dr. Marion A. Ruebel was my boss for many years at The University of Akron. I worked for him when he was The Assistant Dean of the College of Education, as well as when he was the Dean of University College. He was a great boss and I enjoyed my years working for and with him.
Joy Contreras (Winer)
October 5, 2014
Dearest Ruebel Family,
My heart broke a little when I heard this news. I loved Dr. Ruebel and remember so many of his stories. More, though, I know how much he loved all of you! My deepest condolences are with you at this time.
Love, Joy
October 4, 2014
Dear Neoma, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We enjoyed 30 years as neighbors on Bancroft Road. Loved Rube's sense of humor.
Bill & Gail Jones
Kailua Kona, Hawaii
Hank and Arlene Nettling
October 3, 2014
Neom and family,
Arlene and I attended the funeral of Rube. However we were both a bit late in getting to the church. We did not get to sign the Memory Book, so this is our condolence to you and family. Rube was a great guy and the preacher certainly did good in passing those qualities on. We are so sorry.
Sue Korosa
October 2, 2014
To the Ruebel Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I was lucky enough to have Dr. Ruebel as my professor for several of my education classes for my Masters. I was doubly blessed to have some of the children in MY classroom at CHS. I'm thinking of you all at this sad time.
Ruth Ottiger
October 2, 2014
I love you all. Sending Thoughts, Prayers and a lifetime of memories.
Ruthie
Greg Salem
October 1, 2014
Tom, Joni, and the Ruebel family, your dad was a wonderful man and will be missed. He is a big reason that I have been in education my entire life. Condolences to your family.
Vincent Babak Family
October 1, 2014
To the entire Ruebel Family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss and wish you peace in the coming days.
October 1, 2014
Neoma
We send our condolences on the passing of Rube so sad
we will all miss him during our stay in Naples.
Gary and Inge Van Volkenburg
Steve McGee
October 1, 2014
To the entire Ruebel Family,
I am sorry to hear of Dr. Ruebel's passing. In the short period of time that I had dealings with Dr. Ruebel, it was obvious that he was a man that was always on a mission to make an impact and difference in the world and his own community. He has now received his reward for a job well done. My thoughts and prayers to all of you at this very difficult time.
Rick Mier
September 30, 2014
Sherri,
To you and your family, I am sending my prayers and condolences. How I remember Dr. 'Rube' patrolling the halls of the College of Education at The U of A! He was highly respected by both students and peers and will be missed by so many.
Betty & Armand Pirro
September 30, 2014
Dear Neoma and Family,our thoughts and prayers
are with you.
Elizabeth Horrigan-Testa
September 30, 2014
Dear Nank Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad/grandfather. Even though I didn't know him, he was truly a pioneer in the education field. You all should be so proud of his legacy??
Steve DeFillippo
September 30, 2014
Marion was a good Christian!
Dean Kohmann
September 30, 2014
Tom, you have my deepest sympathies on the passing of your dad. I have such fond memories of your family and your dad growing up as neighbors. Your dad is a man of great integrity and character that I always admired. I pray that the LORD will comfort you with wonderful memories and an assurance that he is at peace.
Bob Nemer
September 30, 2014
To "Rube's" family....Rube and I had many great memories and good times ("some" on the golf course). As an AU alum, and an impartial observer, he was EVERYONES' president...the faculty, administration, staff, every day worker, and the students'! He was also a TREMENDOUS asset to the community!! It would be extremely difficult for me to "put into words" the respect I had for him. Due to sugery, I am unable to personally offer my condolences, however please know that Rube and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers! May he rest in peace.
Lorraine (Lori) Wohlford
September 30, 2014
Neoma, and family, I am so sorry to know that Dr. Ruebel has passed. I always had all confidence in his leadership at the University. I had been a single mom 10 1/2 yrs. during my employment at the University. When Dr. Ruebel was in charge I never feared, he was in control, everything would be alright. I retired in 2010 after 25 yrs. in the Registrars office. I miss his character so much. Lots of love to you Neoma, you were always with him at functions at the University. I was glad to see you, Neoma you were my favorite also. I'm so sorry.
Caesar Carrino
September 30, 2014
Neoma and kids,
Needless to say, we are deeply saddened by Rube's passing. It's hard to believe that a person so vibrant would not have lived forever.
He will always be remembered for his unique brand of folksy sayings and humor, as well as his endless drive for high academic standards.
Our prayers are with you during these difficult times.
Caesar and Lynda
The Staff of Billow Funeral Homes
September 30, 2014
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
Hank and Arlene Nettling
September 29, 2014
It was 1998 when Rube asked me to come to Buchtel Hall as VP for Bus & Fin. Since I refused before, I accepted this time and will never regret it. He was a great Pres and family man. Condolences to Neom and family.
Joe & Teresa Latona
September 29, 2014
Dear Neomi & Family; Our deepest sympathy. Both of you were our closest friends for many years. We were privileged to participate in your daughters wedding & follow Tommy's football career at Copley. Fond memories. Our prayers are with you. Love, Joe & Teresa
September 29, 2014
Rube was a great President. I was in San Francisco when he called me to come to Buchtel Hall. Having refused the offer once before, I thought it was time. I served him until he retired. It was great and he will certainly be missed. Neom, and family, We will pray for you.
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