Neil Newayne Ruebsamen

Neil Newayne Ruebsamen, 94, of Carterville, Illinois, passed away on January 17, 2024. Born on June 8, 1929, in Giltner, Nebraska, Neil was a beloved family patriarch, a devout Christian, and a proud veteran.

He attended the Colorado School of Mines and participated in various distance learning opportunities.  Neil had a distinguished career as a Professional Safety Engineer, working for AMAX Metals in Mississippi, West Virginia, and Illinois, as well as Anheuser Busch in Missouri, and a safety consultant in Nebraska.  He retired with the rank of LT Colonel from the US Army Reserve.  He was known for his expertise and dedication in ensuring safety in the workplace.  Neil enjoyed water skiing, Nebraska football and volleyball, researching and documenting his family history, attending family reunions, and he authored a book titled "The Families of Ruebsamen - Spear- Dawson - Burley."

Neil was a member of Aurora United Methodist Church in Aurora, Nebraska.  His faith played an important role in his life and provided him with strength and guidance.

Neil is survived by his sister, Merna Valen, his children, Rickey (Linda), Perry (Linda), and Regina (Paul) Lunsford; his grandchildren, Rachel (Mark) Peterson, Dr. Kris (Beth) Ruebsamen, Kori (Chris) Clark, Garrett (Sarah) Lunsford, Kyle Lunsford, Michaela (Chris) Borders; great-grandchildren, Tanyth and Dean Nagler, Anna Kate, Mason, Eleanor, Rhett, and Bennett Ruebsamen, Charlotte and Holden Clark, Jacob and Stella Borders;  and stepchildren Dan (Sandy) Howland and Nancy (Byron) Paschke and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Alberta Dawson Ruebsamen, his brothers, Darrell, Dale, Marvin, and Wilbur, his sister, Beverly Arne, his wives, Eleanor Talich and Mabel Raines Howland Ruebsamen, his daughter, Cathleen Bennett Molnar, and his grandson, Perry Dean Ruebsamen Jr.

A Celebration of Life and burial will be held in Giltner, Nebraska, at a date to be determined. Contributions in memory of Neil can be made to Aurora United Methodist Church.

The Binkley-Ross Funeral Home in Marion, Illinois is assisting with the arrangements.

May Neil Newayne Ruebsamen rest in peace, and may his memory remain alive and be cherished by all who knew and loved him.