New Richmond:
(715) 243-5252  |  
River Falls:
(715) 425-8788

Dr. Donald Ruble 12/16/2017

Dr. Donald C. Ruble
Bonita Springs, FL

Donald C. Ruble 79, passed away on Saturday, December 16, 2017 in River Falls, Wisconsin with family by his side after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

Don was born on April 7, 1938 in Owatonna, Minnesota, son of late Donald and Margaret (Chambers) Ruble. Don married his college sweetheart Susan Marie Beaver on March 14, 1959 in Kasson, MN. They were blessed with three children; Jodi Ann, Jenna Marie, and Donald Thomas. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and an example to all by how he loved and lived life to the fullest. Don enjoyed basketball, golf, tennis, skiing, and piloting his airplane. He never lost his love for music and continued to play in Bands throughout his life. Don loved to travel and spend time with his children, grandchildren, and friends.

Don dedicated his life to education. He graduated from High School in Waseca, MN in 1956 and Mankato State University with a B.S. (1960) and M.A. (1965) in Music Education. He completed his Educational Specialist degree (1972) and Ph.D. (1982) in Educational Administration from the University of Northern Colorado. He began his teaching career in Frederic, Wisconsin as a Band Director and continued teaching in Mason City and Des Moines, IA. Don was a Principal in Mason City and Cherokee, IA, and Mankato, MN. He was Superintendent of Schools in Fairmont and in Forest Lake, MN. He was a man of great integrity who treated everyone with dignity and respect.

Don is survived by his wife Susan (Beaver) Ruble; daughters, Jodi LaChance and Jenna Ruble (Teri); daughter-in-law Lisa Waypa (Bob); sister, Virginia “Ginger” Kettwig, nine grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter, brother-in-law Tom (Ann) Beaver, sister-in-law Betsy Barry, several nieces and nephews, and countless treasured friends and colleagues.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son Donald Thomas Ruble and brother-in-law, Jim Kettwig.

A private family memorial will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers,
Memorials preferred to:
Hope Hospice 9470 Health Park Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908
Adoray Hospice PO Box 95, Baldwin, WI 54002

Comments and condolences can be sent to Don’s family through www.bakken-young.com Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of River Falls, WI

30 Comments

  • Cher and Lee Hurney ( Palm Colony) Posted December 19, 2017 12:07 am

    Sue, we are so sorry for your loss.

  • Alice Blomquist Posted December 19, 2017 11:14 am

    Dear Sue & family,
    I am so sad for you on the death of Don. Denny & I spent many fun times with the two of you. Denny was the Guidance Director for Dist. 77 so he and Don worked closely.
    The love of your life is gone and that’s hard.
    Thinking of all of you as you go on without Don.
    Sending love & hugs,

  • Alice Blomquist Posted December 19, 2017 11:16 am

    Thinking of all of you.

  • Barbara Devlin Posted December 19, 2017 3:12 pm

    To the Ruble Family,
    I was saddened to learn of Don’s death. I first met Don as part of the Bush Leadership Fellowship Program when he was Superintendent of the Fairmont Public Schools and I was a young Assistant Superintendent in the Minnetonka Public Schools. I later became a Superintendent, and interacted periodically with Don in that capacity. I appreciated Don’s thoughtfulness, consideration, and good humor, and consider him one of my mentors in school district leadership. My guess is that he was equally beloved as a husband, father, and grandfather, and I extend my deepest condolences.

  • Marty Duncan, Supt Posted December 19, 2017 4:08 pm

    Don will be missed by all his friends in MASA; and I will miss him and I am giving him a big hug right now. /s/ Marty Duncan (teacher at Fairmont 71-74; Superintendent 30+ years)

  • John King and Jane King Posted December 19, 2017 5:54 pm

    Don, we my life-long friend and I mourn his loss, but know he is in a better place now. Sue was such a devoted caregiver. May God bless both Sue and Don.

  • Bob Heller Posted December 19, 2017 6:03 pm

    Just wanted to share my condolences with Jenna. I have good memories of Don and Jenna (let’s not discuss my first stage “role” at West as a dinosaur…I believe my only line was “Raar!”) While many fellow students at West reminded me of a proctologist’s office, probably because of having Tourette’s, Jenna was always kind, accepting and supportive. I also lost my dad to Alzheimer’s in November of 2009, so I do, in a way, have an idea of what you all have been through. I am not sure if it is harder on the victim of dementia, or the ones they leave behind? Please believe me, though, when I tell you from experience that time does heal. Your dad was a positive influence on almost everyone he met. We all should be so lucky to be able to have that said about us when life “closes its curtain” on us. God bless your family. Heal quickly!

  • Norm Miller Posted December 19, 2017 6:13 pm

    Sue and Family,, I have great memories of working with Don in the Education Profession. It was only a few weeks ago that I came up 35 on my way-to Son Brads place on Bone Lake. You will be in my
    prayers.

  • Moni Harper Posted December 19, 2017 7:10 pm

    Sue and family, My sympathy and prayers go out to you in the loss of Don. I remember many enjoyable times that I got to play my trumpet with him in the Martin County Brass. We always joked about his “rubber lip”. He was a great musician and a very nice man. He will be missed. May memories of all the good times give you comfort in the days ahead.

  • Rita Craven Posted December 20, 2017 2:07 am

    Thinking of you and your family, Sue! Great memories of a great man!

  • Liz Tarr Posted December 20, 2017 4:37 am

    Jenna- thinking of you and all your family.

  • Marilyn and Duane Belseth Posted December 20, 2017 2:24 pm

    So sorry for your loss. We are in Florida for the winter and remember the time we met you with Miller’s, Oldenkamp’s, and Jodi for lunch. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Marilyn and Duane Belseth

  • Mary Kaye Monahan Posted December 20, 2017 6:24 pm

    Jenna and family – My thoughts are with you as you help your father, grandfather, husband and best friend pass. Peace to all.

  • Heidi Beaver Posted December 20, 2017 7:47 pm

    All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. I love you guys.

  • Ted Blaesing Posted December 20, 2017 9:13 pm

    A trusted colleague to share frustrations and seek advice. A friend to share a good joke and hearty laugh. A man to admire and emulate. Don was all of these things and more to me as a fellow superintendent. We were in constant communication as Don was my good neighbor and superintendent to the north of me while I was in White Bear Lake. I will cherish wonderful memories of Don and my hope is that you will recall over the days and years ahead the cherished memories that you shared with this special man.

  • Barbara Berquist Posted December 21, 2017 4:29 am

    You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I will treasure our many wonderful family memories forever. He was truly a special man with a very special family. Love to you all…

  • Suzanne Schwinn Evans Posted December 21, 2017 3:47 pm

    Jenna,
    I have no doubt you are surrounded with family and love. Feel blessed and exchange all the hugs you can! Sending sincere thoughts of peace…

  • Teri and Gordon Appell, Andrew and Tommy Posted December 21, 2017 5:16 pm

    Cousin Don did live life to its fullest. He was so fortunate to be blessed with a loving wife, children and grandchildren. He will be remembered fondly.

  • Gabriele Posted December 21, 2017 5:16 pm

    My heartfelt condolences to you Sue. I will remember Don playing the banjo with a big smile on his face..

  • Kathy S Thompson Posted December 21, 2017 10:58 pm

    Dear family, I was saddened to learn of Donnie’s death. I remember how kind he was to this much younger cousin when we would visit his parents. I also remember how very proud his dad was of Don and his lovely family. My condolences to all of you; he was a talented & joyful person.

  • Denny and Nancy Stangler Posted December 22, 2017 12:18 am

    Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathy are with you and your family. Denny and I feel very fortunate to have been able to spend time getting to know Don in the years we spent in Bonita Springs.Love to you and family

  • Tony & Beth Costa Posted December 22, 2017 11:11 pm

    Dear Sue,
    Marilyn Olson just informed us of Don’s death. We are so very sorry, but know that you are at peace knowing Don is in a better place. Sue, you have been remarkable throughout this very difficult journey. Don must have been very proud of you. Hope to see you back in Pelican Landing.
    Sincerely,
    Beth & Tony

  • Lou Schindler and Mary K. Hagen Posted December 23, 2017 2:05 pm

    Sue and family: Don’s passing left a hole in the heart of each of us. I’ll always remember his kindness and the twinkle in his eye. A wonderful musician, a good friend and an amazing human being.

  • Joe Kurtzman Posted December 23, 2017 7:09 pm

    Sue, we are sorry to hear of Don’s passing. We send our sympathy to you and your family. Don was a good leader in our community. You both were good assets to Fairmont. If you are ever in the area, we would love to hear from you. We hope you find comfort in good memories of your time together.
    Sincerely,
    Joe and Mary Beth Kurtzman

  • Robyn Perez and Joan Korsmo Posted December 23, 2017 7:32 pm

    Dear Sue, Jodi and Jenna,
    We are so very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Our deepest sympathies to you and your whole family during this sad time. May your memories bring you peace.
    Love to you all,
    Robyn and Joan

  • Gary and Deborah Howell Posted December 28, 2017 12:14 am

    We were in London when we heard of Don’s passing. So sorry to hear this and are saddened for you Sue and the family. Don was a great guy and best friend. We had so many great time together over the years. Love, to you Sue and the family

  • Laura Turk Posted December 31, 2017 6:28 pm

    Dear Sue, How wonderful to see you this fall. I would love to connect with you. How do I do that? Are you in. Florida? Hugs to you and your family.

  • Sandy Murphy Posted January 2, 2018 11:36 pm

    Sue, I am so sorry to hear about Don’s passing. I too lost Mike on Dec. 10th to pulmonary fibrosis. I know what you and your family are going through. Hugs! ?

  • Dan & Vicki Poepard Posted January 5, 2018 7:34 pm

    Sue, we just heard about Don’s passing and are sorry for your loss of such a great man. Don wasn’t just a caring administrator & leader, he also was a wonderful human being. Our thoughts & prayers are with you, and with your family.

  • Bill & Mary Haas and Karen Posted January 14, 2018 2:45 pm

    Sue and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Don was a wonderful man and everyone loved him. He will be sincerely missed. Love, Bill & Mary Haas and Karen

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *