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Gerald Ruben Obituary
1934 - 2015
Gerald J. Ruben, 80, formerly of Kenosha, died on Aug. 31, at his home in Northridge, Calif. He was the son of the late Albert and Ellen (Lindberg) Ruben, born on Oct. 25, 1934, in Kenosha. He was a 1952 graduate of Mary D. Bradford High School. He was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force in 1957 and graduated from the University of Madison in 1962.
Jerry began his career in 1962 at WGN in Chicago. He went to Los Angeles in 1969 working for KTTV, KNXT and KTLA, where he spent the majority of his career. In 2006, he was honored for 30 years distinguished service as news director and executive producer. He won the prestigious Peabody Award for his station's coverage of the Rodney King videotaped beating, and has won 12 Emmy Awards and numerous awards from the Radio and Television News Association, the Associated Press and the Los Angeles Press Club. He produced nearly 10,000 television newscasts, believed to be a record for an individual in the United States.
He is survived by his sister, Maxine Ripp of Kenosha, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Robert, Clyde and Kenneth; and three sisters, June (Dolly) Martin, Esther Zell and Pearl Kaldenberg.
Funeral services were held in Northridge.
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Ruben
Tim Ruben
September 14, 2015
Uncle Gerry, the best thing out of Kenosha wasn't "the bus." The best thing out of Kenosha was you! With much love, Tim
DON ZELL
September 14, 2015
uncle jerry, never considered you my uncle as we were only six years apart in age and basically grew up together,even were roomates for awhile in kenosha,,,,one day i will see you again
your oldest nephew
don zell.,
Michelle Orrego
September 9, 2015
I will miss your smile, and your laughter. It was always pure joy to see your face and hear your wonderful stories. Thanks for letting me be your friend!
Marissa Lopez
September 8, 2015
Dearest Gerry I will forever miss your vast knowledge of just about everything. The story telling and one of my all time favorites was the Showgirls story, I am laughing now remembering how you still got a kick out of that story and truly it is a great story. You are gone but never forgotten you live forever in all our hearts and memories. Rest in Peace, rest in peace.
Amanda Wermeling
September 7, 2015
Uncle Jerry, I am so lucky to have had an uncle like you and I am really going to miss you. I admired you so much as a child and now as an adult. When I was younger, I was so excited when I received an email from you letting me know the latest news in California. I find myself reading those emails this past week that lasted more than a decade long. In a way, it is weird to have e-mails from that long ago, but I really feel fortunate to still have them since it really brings back some great memories. I loved visiting you and you truly showed me what Hollywood is all about. I will never forget having lunch with the major of Hollywood, Johnny Grant, and getting my picture taken with Robert Wagner. You were so persistent when you saw him and stopped him that I don't think he could ever say no! I absolutely loved hearing your stories and watching some of the best news coverage I have ever seen! I feel truly blessed to have been with you last weekend with my sisters. We are all so proud of you and your accomplishments. I hope you rest in peace and get to enjoy delicious chocolate malts while you are watching down on us. I love you and will never forget you.
Judy Ruben Renzoni
September 7, 2015
Uncle Gerry, is that why we couldn't go to Bozo's Circus??? Lol !!! Everything my sister and cousins wrote also rings true for me.....you blew in to town and it was like a celebrity was visiting! You loved us to make phone calls for you and get you a bottle of Sparco soda. You had my dad and Uncle Clyde's smile and quiet demeanor. I remember you loving old movies. My dad loved your calls and visits so much....I hope you are enjoying time together again. RIP
Nancy Ruben LaNasa
September 6, 2015
Uncle Jerry, I remember when I was little I wanted so badly to go on Bozo's Circus but couldn't because you worked for WGN. After you left Kenosha for the bright lights and big cities of California it was almost like having a movie star in the house when you came to visit. I still remember my dad going to Sparco to stock up on lime soda because you loved it. And it was awe-inspiring for a child to go to her grandma's apartment and see pictures of you with presidents and celebrities. I also remember when the Chicago 7 became infamous and because of Jerry Rubin you changed the spelling of your first name. Goofy things to remember, I'm sure some will say. I only knew you as Uncle Jerry, my dad's baby brother but you were so much more.
Jeff Martin
September 6, 2015
Uncle Jerry was a remarkable man. I have so many fond memories of him. We would stay up till the wee hours of the morning talking about his beloved Badgers, politics, books, WWII, movies - he knew every line from Casablanca. He loved going to his sisters' homes for home cooked meals. He would show us his slides from his time in the service from such exotic places as Morocco. This was fascinating for a little kid in Kenosha,Wisconsin. I remember driving to Madison with Jerry and my dad when he first went to college. He loved baseball and always wanted me to pitch to him - I seldom got to bat but that was ok. It was fun spending time with him. Every time he came home he had new stories to tell. So many memories. Uncle Jerry you will be missed.
Joseph Ripp
September 5, 2015
To Uncle Jerry, my favorite uncle. You always made me feel like a big guy when I was really just a small child. I'll always remember our long ping pong matches that lasted for hours. I'll remember eating our fruit bowls while watching late night TV movies Saturday night on those occasions when you came back to Kenosha to visit us and grandma while she was still alive. And I remember those occasions when I came to visit you in Burbank as a young adult and older in life. I was always treated like a king. You were the best of the best Uncle Jerry. God bless you!
Patti Wermeling
September 5, 2015
RIP my dear Uncle Jerry....I am so glad I was able to see you just a few weeks ago...and am so glad you held on long enough to see my girls. Your family here in Kenosha was always so very very proud of you! You were an amazing man and an amazing Uncle! I will miss hearing all of your stories. You will forever be in my thoughts and heart. Until we meet again...I love you! Patti
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Bastian & Perrott, Oswald Mortuary18728 Parthenia Street, Northridge, CA 91324
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