Delbert John Rueschenberg
July 9, 1926 — May 9, 2017
Delbert John Rueschenberg, son of Frank and Theodora “Dora” (Langenfeld) Rueschenberg, was born on July 9, 1926, on the family farm just outside Westphalia, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia and attended St. Boniface Catholic School graduating with the class of 1944.
After high school, Delbert helped his father on the family farm. On September 21, 1950, he enlisted in the United States Army. Delbert served his country during the Korean War until his Honorable Discharge on September 20, 1952. Delbert returned to Iowa, and after the sudden death of his father in 1952, he took over the family farm near Westphalia.
On February 17, 1953, Delbert was united in marriage to Anna Hastert at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Panama, Iowa. After their marriage, Delbert and Anna made their home on the Rueschenberg family farm outside of Westphalia where they raised their eight children: Gerard, Jane, Edward, Michael, Mary, Francis, Carol and Joseph.
Delbert was a lifetime active member of St. Boniface Catholic Church and enjoyed singing in the church choir. He was a member of the Westphalia Credit Union and served on the board for twenty-six years. Delbert also was a longtime member of the Westphalia Volunteer Fire Department and drummer for the Country Four. As a steward of his land and to his animals, Delbert dedicated his entire life to his family farm. He was recently recognized for having a Century Farm and participated with the Plant Iowa Committee donating hundreds of trees to 5th grade students in Shelby County each year.
In addition to his devotion to his flag, faith, and farm, Delbert was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and enjoyed attending all of their events. He also loved dancing to polka music with the love of his life, Anna. He enjoyed time with his dog Lizzy, bird watching on the farm, supporting community events, watching Westerns, sprint car races, trains, and the Johnny Carson monologues each night before bed.
Delbert died surrounded by his family on the same farm he spent his entire life on May 9, 2017, attaining the age of ninety years and ten months. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Michael, brother Quentin Rueschenberg, and sister Lelia Sharp. Survivors include his wife Anna Rueschenberg of Westphalia, Iowa; children: Gerard Rueschenberg of Westphalia; Jane and her husband Bob Tremel of Panama, Iowa; Edward Rueschenberg of Earling, Iowa; Mary and her husband Mike Burke of Westphalia; Frank Rueschenberg and his wife Tami of Westphalia; Carol and her husband Bob Schechinger of Treynor, Iowa and Joseph Rueschenberg and his wife Amy of Harlan, Iowa; 14 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; sister Viola Stevenson of Omaha, Nebraska; nieces and nephews; other relatives, and many friends.
After high school, Delbert helped his father on the family farm. On September 21, 1950, he enlisted in the United States Army. Delbert served his country during the Korean War until his Honorable Discharge on September 20, 1952. Delbert returned to Iowa, and after the sudden death of his father in 1952, he took over the family farm near Westphalia.
On February 17, 1953, Delbert was united in marriage to Anna Hastert at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Panama, Iowa. After their marriage, Delbert and Anna made their home on the Rueschenberg family farm outside of Westphalia where they raised their eight children: Gerard, Jane, Edward, Michael, Mary, Francis, Carol and Joseph.
Delbert was a lifetime active member of St. Boniface Catholic Church and enjoyed singing in the church choir. He was a member of the Westphalia Credit Union and served on the board for twenty-six years. Delbert also was a longtime member of the Westphalia Volunteer Fire Department and drummer for the Country Four. As a steward of his land and to his animals, Delbert dedicated his entire life to his family farm. He was recently recognized for having a Century Farm and participated with the Plant Iowa Committee donating hundreds of trees to 5th grade students in Shelby County each year.
In addition to his devotion to his flag, faith, and farm, Delbert was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and enjoyed attending all of their events. He also loved dancing to polka music with the love of his life, Anna. He enjoyed time with his dog Lizzy, bird watching on the farm, supporting community events, watching Westerns, sprint car races, trains, and the Johnny Carson monologues each night before bed.
Delbert died surrounded by his family on the same farm he spent his entire life on May 9, 2017, attaining the age of ninety years and ten months. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Michael, brother Quentin Rueschenberg, and sister Lelia Sharp. Survivors include his wife Anna Rueschenberg of Westphalia, Iowa; children: Gerard Rueschenberg of Westphalia; Jane and her husband Bob Tremel of Panama, Iowa; Edward Rueschenberg of Earling, Iowa; Mary and her husband Mike Burke of Westphalia; Frank Rueschenberg and his wife Tami of Westphalia; Carol and her husband Bob Schechinger of Treynor, Iowa and Joseph Rueschenberg and his wife Amy of Harlan, Iowa; 14 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; sister Viola Stevenson of Omaha, Nebraska; nieces and nephews; other relatives, and many friends.
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