John Herbert Ruble

John Herbert Ruble, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025, surrounded by family, at Eldora Specialty Care Center. He was 82 years old. With honor, Adams Celebration of Life is serving the family. 

A vigil will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Eldora, Iowa, with the Funeral Mass to follow. A luncheon will be served immediately after the Mass.

A graveside blessing and interment will take place on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Humboldt, Iowa.

John was born on July 25, 1942, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Esther J. Sarsgard and Herbert Ruble. His arrival into the world was not an easy one, and the compassionate nuns at Mercy Hospital affectionately nicknamed him “Butch”—a name that stuck, fitting his mischievous and spirited nature as a boy. During the early years of his life, while his father served overseas in World War II, John was doted on by his devoted mother and loving aunts, Marvel (French) and Verla (Ennen).

When his father returned home in 1945, a deep bond was formed through a shared love of sports and competition, values that would remain central to John’s life. In 1950, John gained a younger sister, Julie, and the Ruble family continued to make their home in Humboldt, Iowa, where John grew up surrounded by a tight-knit community and many lifelong friends.

At Humboldt High School, John was a proud Wildcat, excelling in football, track, and golf, a sport he especially loved playing with friends and his dad. He would later join the Humboldt community hockey team as a goaltender and would eventually play for the Iowa State University faculty hockey team. After graduating in 1960, John attended Wayne State University but returned home following the unexpected death of his father. He continued his education at Iowa Central Community College, where he also coached an archery class.

In the summer of 1966, John’s life changed when he met Margaret Callahan. They fell in love and were married on June 28, 1969. The couple began their married life in Ames, Iowa, where John worked in the art department of Iowa State University’s information services. His creative talent left a lasting impression, contributing season ticket designs, athletic schedule posters, for which he won national awards, and vintage ISU logos, which became a part of Cyclone lore.

John and Margaret welcomed their son, Maury John, in 1972 and daughter, Leslie Ann, in 1978. In 1980, the family moved to Eldora, where John accepted a position as art director at Dodger Manufacturing. A proud and devoted father, John cherished family celebrations, holidays, and especially any opportunity to cheer on the Iowa State Cyclones as a 55-year football season ticket holder and tailgating enthusiast!

John was active in the Eldora community through his involvement with the Lions Club, Pine Lake Country Club, and the Knights of Columbus at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He was also a proud social member and bartender at the American Legion Club, where he enjoyed the camaraderie and stories shared over the years. Many Eldorans might also know John as the man who delivered a pizza from Pizza Ranch, likely crafted by his own artistic hands.

Later in life, John and Margaret found great joy in becoming grandparents. He was affectionately known as Grampie by his three beloved grandsons: Nolan and Hayden Mitchell of Grimes (children of Leslie and Brett Mitchell), and Kilian Ruble of Fort Dodge (son of Maury and Johanna Ruble). Time spent with them brought him immeasurable happiness and pride.

John will be remembered for his creativity, wit, loyalty, and the twinkle in his eye that never faded. He lived a life full of laughter, love, and legacy, and his spirit lives on in all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret; his children, Maury (Johanna) Ruble of Fort Dodge and Leslie (Brett) Mitchell of Grimes; his grandchildren, Nolan, Hayden, and Kilian; his sister, Julie Weydert; and many extended family members and dear friends.