Dean Timothy Rueb, 68, of Java, SD; passed away January 22, 2024, surrounded by his family in Mandan, ND, after a hard-fought battle with cancer, surpassing every timeline he was given. Dean was born to Delbert and Lydia (Kerher) Rueb in Mobridge, SD on September 3, 1955. He was raised and thrived on the family farm in Herreid, SD. He attended Herreid high school graduating in 1973. After graduation, Dean attended Trinity Bible College for 1 year. He married the love of his life, Norma, after an extremely patient courtship of 5 years on January 25th, 1986. Dean worked for Herreid Concrete, driving semi until 1996. Dean and Norma then moved to Watertown, SD where he worked for Terex. He especially enjoyed working on the hydraulic and fiber optic systems for the cherry pickers. Following a year in Aberdeen, SD they moved to Buffalo, WY in 2002 where he retired as a heavy equipment operator for Cloud Peak Energy. In 2021, Dean returned “home” to be near family in Java, SD.
Dean most loved being with and caring for his family especially his 3 granddaughters. A man of great preparedness and cleanliness, he made sure that all of the cars in the family were properly fueled and washed. Dean was fascinated by the local weather, often checking temperatures for each family location multiple times during the day. Apart from touching base daily with his friends and family, Dean was most at home when operating farming equipment or helping around at the family farm. Dean was a man of strong faith, active in churches and local communities of believers freely giving of his time and wisdom. Dean and Norma got the opportunity to travel to Israel in 2016. This trip was very special to Dean, fulfilling a lifelong dream and further deepening his faith.
Dean is survived by his wife; Norma Rueb, children; Shannon (David) Rueb and Dustin (Haley) Rueb, grandchildren; Raelle, Sariyah and Myah, father; Delbert Rueb, siblings; Dale (Colleen) Rueb, Mary (Dwayne) Goodale, Rollin (Charlotte) Rueb and Paul (Bonnie) Rueb and his many loving nieces, nephews and loyal friends.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents; Carl and Lydia Rueb, maternal grandparents; Gottlieb and Christine Kerher, mother; Lydia Rueb, one infant sister; Patricia Rueb, one brother; Randall Rueb, and one grandson; Josiah Rueb.
A Remembrance of Dean’s Life will be held at The Lighthouse in Herreid SD at 11 AM on February 9, 2024. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations in Dean’s memory be made to either of the following charities:
Rainbow Bible Ranch
14676 Lonetree Rd.
Sturgis, South Dakota 57785
Hillcrest Children’s Home
2325 Malvern Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901