Dennis Rumbaugh Obituary

Dennis Eugene Rumbaugh

January 4, 1936

June 23, 2013

On June 23, 2013, Dennis Rumbaugh left this world peacefully, with his three loving daughters at his side, after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.

Dennis was born Dennis Eugene Rumbaugh on January 4, 1936 on a farm near Phillipsburg, Kansas. Dennis was the fourth of seven children born to Archie and Margaret Rumbaugh. In 1948, the Rumbaugh family moved to Sun Valley, Nevada. Dennis attended local schools and graduated from Sparks High School. Dennis married his first wife, Joan Clem, in 1955.

Dad accepted many responsibilities beginning at a very young age. As was common in the day, husbands went off to work while wives managed the chores of home life and children. Dad started his working journey in 1955 with Johnson Chevrolet. Thereafter, he went to work for Truck Parts and Equipment Co. When we asked Stuart Engs, Dad's dearest friend, about his employment with Truck Parts and Equipment Co., Stuart replied with the following which we girls wanted to share verbatim: "Dennis Rumbaugh came to work at Truck Parts and Equipment Co. in 1956 hired by C.F. (Ollie) Oliver at 27 East Plaza St. For 43 years Dennis did EVERYTHING from sweeping the floor, delivering parts to parts manager to finally, general manager. In 1959 we moved to Kietzke Lane then finally to McCarran Blvd. Dennis retired in 1998. There was never a more loved, respected employee at TPE than your father." We three girls could never improve upon that most wonderful tribute to our Dad.

In 1974, Dad met and married the absolute love of his life, Judy Sellers. Together they spent 38 incredible years as best friends and partners. Judy passed away in 2011. It was always Dad's hope that he and Judy would be reunited someday. Dad, we hope you gave Judy that hug you talked about.

Our Dad leaves behind the following brothers and sister: Bobby (Carmen), Jimmy (Marvel), Jesse, Gloria Rumbaugh Walker of Arizona, and Stuart (Linda). Dad was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Margaret, and his sister, Doris.

As for his children, Dad will be forever missed by his three loving daughters, Stephanie Ittner (Ken McCabe), Leslie Schulenberg (Clarke) and Dr. Marilyn Rumbaugh of Louisiana. He will also be missed by his two adoring grandchildren who loved him so much, Matt Schulenberg and Lily Schulenberg. Matt and Lily loved hearing Dad's stories and will carry them forever in their hearts. Dad also leaves behind step-son John Lane (Carrie) and granddaughter Cindy Lane. Dad had numerous nieces and nephews who will miss him as well.

It was Dad's wish that there be no service. In remembrance, you may make a donation in the name of Judy Rumbaugh to the Nevada Junior Livestock Scholarship Fund, c/o Nevada Junior Livestock Show Board, PO Box 8026, Reno, NV 89507.

You will be forever in our hearts, Dad. We love you and miss you more than words could ever say.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Reno Gazette Journal and Lyon County News Leader from Jul. 12 to Jul. 14, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Rumbaugh

7 Entries

July 16, 2013

Your Dad was such a great man and friend. I first knew him when he started at the Plaza St. location working for TPE. I did business with him all the years that he worked for TPE. Sorry to hear of his passing and your loss. Bill Manke Sr.

Cameran Stolz

July 15, 2013

My thoughts are prayers are with Dennis' friends and family. Dennis and Judy will always be remembered with great fondness. They were both wonderful people. I was blessed with the opportunity to work with him at TP&E and enjoyed every moment.

Charlotte McMaster

July 15, 2013

I am so sorry to read of your Dad's passing. I used to live across the street from you on Probasco Way and babysat for your Mom and Dad. Cherish the wonderful memories you have!

July 14, 2013

My sympathy to the Rumbaugh family, but I know Dennis is happy to be with Judy. Both were such great supporters of the Nevada Jr. Livestock Show Program and are missed greatly! Dennis Hellwinkel, Treasurer-NJLSB

Velma (Breezy) Leary

July 14, 2013

I was saddened to hear the passing of Dennis. Dennis & Judy were some of the first people I met when I moved to Reno in 1975. Judy was very welcoming to me and Dennis always very gracious. They were also out at Pyramid Lake in the Air Stream, lots of fun times were shared, then building their house in Golden Valley. Both are loved and missed.

Chet & Sotiria Knoblich

July 13, 2013

Chet and Sotiria (Sut) Knoblich sends their warm and heartfelt condolences to all in the Rumbaugh family. We spent two weeks together vacationing with Dennis and Judy, and Hank & Glenda Cobb, traveling the East Coast, New York, and D.C. together. Still get a good laugh remembering some of the fun and crazy things we shared on that trip. Like 6 of us in an Oldsmobile 2 door sport coup with luggage tied on top of the trunk. We had so many good times and so much fun with Dennis & Judy, and loved them so very much. May God grant them rest together! Eternal be his memory!

Leslie

July 12, 2013

I love and miss you Dad. I will forever cherish our times together. My heart is full of many wonderful memories. I was blessed to have you for my dad.

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