John T Rueb

LIFE STORY John was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on January 24, 1938. He was one of five children born to Marcella (nee Albachten) and Roy Rueb. He grew up in the Selby-Dale neighborhood and attended Cathedral Grade School. He graduated from Cretin High School. He was a member of the Minnesota National Guard. Directly out of high school, he began working full time as a technician at 3M Company doing this while also being a full time student of Chemistry at the University of Minnesota. After 40 years with 3M, he proudly retired from his position of Technical Director of Consumer Stationary Division. During his time at 3M, he was known as a leader in teaching and mentoring the concepts of creativity and innovation. If you go to the Minnesota History Museum, you can see examples of his groups’ contributions, including Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponges. John was introduced to Carol Nieszner through a mutual friend, and they met for the first time on the steps of the St. Paul Cathedral before a Friday Lenten mass. The two began dating for a few years and were married at St. Agnes Catholic Church on Thanksgiving Day November 24, 1960. They rented an apartment near Prosperity and Maryland Avenue in St. Paul and began attending Blessed Sacrament Parish. After a few years, they built their home in Battle Creek neighborhood on Sandralee Drive where they raised their three children. They then joined St Pascal Baylon Parish and became lifelong members and avid volunteers. He helped to start the Parish Council, formed the Social Justice and Caring committee and was in a bible study group that lasted decades. He and Carol helped teach and prepare engaged couples in preparation for the sacrament of marriage. John worked with the parish youth as the prepared for confirmation. In 2000 John accepted Fr. Tom Brioschi’s request to lead as Project Manager the design and building of the new parish church and school remodeling. Outside of church, they volunteered with the family shelter through Catholic Charities for over 20 years serving breakfast. They took their grandchildren to the shelter as well to show then examples of service and work for the poor and needy. The Rueb family were avid campers and traveled together using a Winnebago Brave motorhome going all over the United States. When John and Carol were both retired they upgraded their motor home for a larger and more comfortable one and continued to vacation all over the United States. In the many special places visited John liked most the Nationals Parks of the Rocky Mountains. On their 50th wedding anniversary, John and Carol took a very special trip to the British Isles. Despite all his travel he made it known that his favorite place on earth was his home and backyard. “It doesn’t get any better than this” was a favorite quote. John was an extremely talented and resourceful man and there was absolutely nothing he could not design, build, fix and modify. He was known to appreciate, own and work on many cars throughout his life and had a special love for sports cars especially his 1972 Pontiac Firebird and his two different Porsches. His many other interests and activities included fishing, classical music and wine tasting. John was a soft spoken man and known to be a wonderful listener and conversationalist. He was intelligent and talented. He was fond of current events, with many a letter to the editors or elected officials sent off with a well thought out point freely exchanged to those who were willing to have a discussion and find solutions. His most impressive trait was his amazing love for his family. He will be missed by all who knew him. John is preceded in death by his parents, Marcella and Roy Rueb; his brother, James Rueb; his brother-in-law, Ken Knowlan; his sister-in-law, Mary Jo Rueb; and his brother-in-law, David Holguin. He will be dearly missed by his wife of over 57 years, Carol Rueb of St. Paul; his daughter, Jenny (Tim) Yager of Wabasha; his son, Chris (Barbara) Rueb of St. Paul; his daughter Kate (Mike) Swanson of Oakdale; his grandchildren, Justin (Jen) Yager of Plainfield, IL, Sara Yager and Will Yager of Wabasha, Calvin Rueb and Jonah Rueb of St. Paul, Tyler Swanson and Joseph Swanson of Oakdale; his sisters, Janet Knowlan of Maplewood and Carol Holguin of California; his brother, Roy (Diane) Rueb of Forest Lake; and many other family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. Pascal Baylon Catholic Church, or the Alzheimer’s Association, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. OBITUARY NOTICE JOHN T. RUEB Passed away peacefully on April 10, 2018, while surrounded by his family – Age 80 Spiritual and family man. Retired 3M employee. Preceded in death by parents, Marcella and Roy; brother, James; brother-in-law, Ken Knowlan; sister-in-law, Mary Jo Rueb; and brother-in-law, David Holguin. Survived by wife of over 57 years, Carol; daughter, Jenny (Tim) Yager; son, Chris (Barbara); daughter, Kate (Mike) Swanson; grandchildren, Justin (Jen), Sara and Will Yager, Calvin and Jonah Rueb, and Tyler and Joseph Swanson; sisters, Janet Knowlan and Carol Holguin; brother, Roy (Diane); and many other family and friends. First visitation from 5-7PM on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at ST. PASCAL BAYLON CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1757 Conway Street, St. Paul. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30AM on Monday, April 16, 2018 with second visitation one hour prior, all at the church. Interment at Elmhurst Cemetery. Memorials appreciated to the church, the Alzheimer’s Association, or a charity of your choice.