Michael Paul Rubadue passed away peacefully Sunday, April 28, 2013, at his home in Firestone, Colorado after his battle with cancer. Mike was born on July 9, 1951 in Columbus, Ohio to Ed and Perkie (Foeller) Rubadue. He was fourth in line of ten children.
Mike grew up in Ohio until he was 11 years old. At that time his family moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee and in 1968, the family moved again to Huntington Beach, California. Mike graduated from Fountain Valley High School in 1969. Three months after his high school graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Mike proudly served his country for three years, of which two years were courageously served doing active duty in Vietnam.
After Mike was honorably discharged he returned to Huntington Beach, California. During the next 25 years, he lived in both California and Utah raising his family and working various jobs. In 1995 he moved to Greeley, Colorado and continued his 26-year career with Rubadue Wire, a family business, working as Co-Owner/Department Manager.
On June 24, 2000 in Greeley Colorado, Mike married Katherine Theresa “Kate” Dowling, with whom he daily lived out Jesus’ call for love (1 Corinthians 13 vs 4-8a).
Mike will long be remembered for his strong Christian faith, selfless love, and God-given grace. These characteristics were reflected in his countless relationships with family, friends, and neighbors. He would give the shirt off his back.
During his lifetime, Mike enjoyed fishing, camping, road trips, and reading. More than anything, he enjoyed his family, being a devoted and caring husband, father, grandfather, son and brother.
Mike’s passion and legacy was to be a servant, used by God in helping others. Mike was the quintessential Good Samaritan.
Mike will be remembered for his jolly laugh, ready smile, bear hugs, silly sense of humor, optimistic attitude, and endless patience. He was everyone’s rock. His favorite line from early years to even his last hours of life was “Don’t sweat the small stuff, because everything is small.”
Mike is survived by his wife, Katherine “Kate” of Firestone; a daughter and son, Kristal Rubadue (Ben Branscome) of Parker and Shawn Rubadue (Lisa) of Fontana, California and their mother, Daniella Rubadue; three daughters, Michele McCoy (Derek) of Mountain Home, Arkansas, Rachel Romkey (Ryan) of Thornton and Jackie Gorton of Denver; his mother, Agnes “Perkie” Rubadue of Greeley; three sisters, Mary Anne Henry of Riverside, California, Jude Rubadue (Roy Johnson) of Salt Lake City, Utah and Sue Welsh of Yorba Linda, Calfornia; six brothers, Jim Rubadue (Julia) and Dan Rubadue (Joan) all of Greeley, Carl Rubadue (Rhonda) of Salt Lake City; Brian Rubadue (Alicia) of Kuaui, Hawaii, Ed Rubadue (Kim) of Loveland and Mark Rubadue (Theresa) of Maple Valley, Washington; four granddaughters, Sariah, Bailey, Kennedee and Nicole; four grandsons, Carter, Jonah, Isaiah and Slade and many very special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ed Rubadue, and grandson, Caleb Rubadue.
A Celebration of Life will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 4 at Two Rivers Fellowship Assembly of God, 2424 23rd Avenue, Greeley, Colorado. Interment Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of choice.
Please visit www.stoddardsunset.com to sign online guestbook.
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