Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1925
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Erma Rubenacker Obituary
September 9, 1925 - January 23, 2025
Erma Rubenacker, 99, of Decatur, Ill., died January 23, 2025, at Imboden Creek Senior Living Center.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Decatur, with Fr. Joe Molloy as celebrant. Visitation will be one hour prior to the Funeral Mass. Entombment in the Star of Hope Mausoleum in Graceland Cemetery will follow the Mass.
Erma was born September 9, 1925, in Piopolis, Ill., to Wendell and Emelia (Herzing) Engel. She graduated from DePaul Hospital School of Nursing, in St. Louis, Mo., in 1947. On September 6, 1948, Erma married, Geo. J. Rubenacker, at St. John the Baptist Church, in Piopolis, Ill.
In 1951, George and Erma moved to Decatur, Ill. Erma worked at St. Mary's Hospital in nursing for 36 years. She loved her patients.
Erma and her husband were charter members of Holy Family Church. She was a long-dedicated parishioner. She was a member of the Franciscan Order of Lay Associates of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis and an active member of Eucharistic Adoration at S. Mary's Hospital Chapel for 20 years.
Erma is survived by her children: Larry (Maggie) Rubenacker, of Canton, Mass; Barbara (Frank) Headington, of Neenah, Wis.; Mary (Mike Powaga) Langan-Powaga, of Aurora, Ill.; and Thomas (Mary Rose) Rubenacker, of Wheaton, Ill. There are ten grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Erma was preceded in death by her parents; and husband.
Erma was a devoted Catholic, wife, and mother. She always had a smile for everyone.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Holy Family Church or School. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Erma Rubenacker
Sponsored by Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home.
Steve Lipe
February 1, 2025
Mary, So very sorry to hear about your mom. I remember her so well, working with my mom at St Marys. They called each other by their last name. My mom called her Ruby and she called my mom Lipe. They were a team. I will remember her and your family in my prayers..
Elizabeth miller
January 30, 2025
I don´t know where to start working with you at Imboden creek you were one of my favorites bringing you fresh fruit (to get you to eat ) to rolling you around nd no matter what I could look at you nd always see your beautiful smile to getting close to hear what you said because I could always hear you nd understand what you were saying I will always nd forever cherish them beautiful memories
Lucille Herzing
January 28, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
How you can show support
Sharon (Johnson) Kocher
January 28, 2025
She definitely was a super lady! I worked at St.Mary and had interactions with her. Always had a beautiful smile for you! May God be with her family at this time of loss and grief. We shall see her one day in Heaven !
Donna Maldonado
January 28, 2025
My condolences to her devoted family
Donna Maldonado
January 28, 2025
My sweet Erma, you would always make my day with your beautiful smile. I´m sorry I wasn´t able to be with you the last few weeks. You were always in my thoughts and I will forever miss you. You were an angel walking the Earth!
Donna Portlock Higgins
January 28, 2025
Prayers to each of you and espespecially for Mrs. Rubenacker. I was an aide and RN at St. Mary's and always loved my enteractions with Mrs. Rubenacker. She was a wonderful and kind nurse. Donna Portlock Higgins.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in Erma Rubenacker's name
Memorial Events
for Erma Rubenacker
Funeral services provided by:
Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home2091 North Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL 62526
How to support Erma's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Erma Rubenacker's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
