Ruben Robert Johannes

Ruben Robert Johannes, 79, of Scottsbluff died Monday, July 30, 2007 at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff. Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 3, 2007 at Fairview Cemetery with Pastor Richard Neugebauer officiating. Military rites will be given by the Nebraska National Guard and the United States Marine Corps. Ruben was born March 23, 1928 in Mitchell, NE to Phillip and Anna (Heinbichner) Johannes. He graduated from Sunflower High School and was a member of the state champion basketball team. He entered the U. S. Marine Corps Aug 24, 1948 and served during the Korean Conflict. He received the Korean Service Medal, Navay Unit Commendation, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, United Nations Medal and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation. Ruben was honorably discharge April 1, 1959. He returned to Scottsbluff where he farmed for a few years. He married Nettie Sterkel May 15, 1962 in Torrington, WY. They moved to Omaha where he worked at the Omaha Stockyards and an Irritation company before owning and managing his own janitorial service company. He retired in 1995 and returned to Scottsbluff. Ruben is survived by his stepchildren: Jack Sterkel, Pat & Rolland Friend all of Scottsbluff, Laurie Gitschell of Illinois and Janice and Reinhardt Rahmig of Gering, NE. 17 nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Nettie, brothers: Phillip, Willie, Jake, Ben, and Ed Johannes and 2 sisters: Rose Derr and Marie Keller.