Roy E. Rubrake

Roy E. Rubrake, 82, of rural Columbia City, passed away at 6:40 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Miller's Oak Pointe, Columbia City.

Born on April 20, 1943, in Kosciusko County, Indiana, he was one of sixteen children born to the late Lawrence Elwood Rubrake and Pearl Beatrice (Blew) Rubrake. He grew up near Sidney until the family moved to Washington Twp., Whitley County, where he completed his schooling at Columbia City High School.

On May 11, 1963, he married Mary Jane Kaough. They made their home in Washington Twp., moving to their farm in 1975. Mary died on September 13, 2021.

Roy began driving milk trucks at the age of 15, making it a career-long occupation with over 57 years of service. He was also a lifelong grain farmer. Always busy, he enjoyed tinkering around the farm, keeping equipment operational, riding four-wheelers through the countryside, and spending time with his kids and grandkids. He liked to take leisurely drives on the county road with his grandkids, sometimes on a quest to see if his remote would open any doors.

He took pride in his antique tractor collection, which included over 13 tractors, mostly International Harvester models. He participated in the annual Whitley County 4H tractor show and other area events. With a servant's heart, he would help anyone in need. He was a member of the Whitley County Plow Day Committee, which hosted the biennial event. Hauling milk throughout his life, he had a craving for strawberry malts and homemade ice cream.

Surviving are his children, Gary (Cindy) Rubrake of South Whitley, Jody (Kevin) Alexander of Columbia City, Susan (Wyatt) Pequignot of Columbia City and Tom Rubrake of South Whitley; grandchildren, Justin (Brooke) Alexander, Kyler (Amber) Alexander, Nicholas (Abby) Pequignot, Emilee Pequignot, Madeline Rubrake, and Lily Rubrake; great-grandchildren, Reed, Kate, Eliza and Creager Alexander; and siblings, Caroline Grable, George Rubrake, Cynthia Rubrake.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by siblings, Eugene, Kenneth, Donald, Ronald, Terry, Jerry Rubrake, Jeanette Horrell, Betty McKibbin, Pauline Wolfe, Ilene Kreider, Treva Ott, and Sue Ann Rubrake.

The funeral service is 10 a.m. on Saturday (Feb 28th) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is at the Washington Twp. Cemetery. Visitation is 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials in Roy's honor are to the Whitley County Ag Museum.