Jim Rubenthaler

Jim Rubenthaler, 88, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died November 10, 2020 at his home in Gothenburg, NE.

Jimmy (Jim) Lee Rubenthaler of Gothenburg passed away peacefully at his home on
November 10, 2020, surrounded by his daughters.
Jim was born on May 5, 1932, to Ted and Signe (Helberg) Rubenthaler. He graduated
from Gothenburg High School in 1950. On June 20th, 1954, Jim married his beautiful wife of 62
years, Marilyn. They were married at Svea Dal Covenant Church north of Brady. During their
marriage, they raised four children on the family farm, which has been in the family for over 100
years. Over the years, Jim enjoyed attending as many of the activities of his children and
grandchildren that he could. Jim was a devoted steward of the land. As a lifelong farmer, he
cared for the land to ensure that it would be fertile and healthy for future generations. Jim’s true
love and calling was cattle ranching and cattle feeding. He always said that he farmed so that
he could feed his cattle! Jim loved going to sale barns to buy cattle to fill his feedlot, he was
always buyer number 11. He made many good friends over the years while he was buying
cattle! Jim took pride in buying “junk cattle” and turning them into beautiful fats.
Jim was an active member of Svea Covenant Church until his death. He served as a
deacon, a board member, and chairman of the church. He enjoyed giving of his time as a
school board member and 4-H Leader in the Wild Horse Valley Community. Jim also spent over
20 years on the Coop Board of Directors, many of those years as the Director and during that
time he and Marilyn enjoyed many trips with the board. He also served on the Board of
Directors of the Twin Platte Natural Resource District for over 20 years, serving as Chairman
during many of those years.
Jim was a long time member of the Lincoln County Fair Board and continued to support
the 4-Hers up until his death. He also sold Dekalb Seed Corn for many years, which earned
him and Marilyn trips to Hawaii and Mexico. In his later years, he enjoyed being part of the
Gideons and handing out Bibles at the schools in the area. Jim enjoyed his Donut Shop friends
so much and hardly ever missed a morning with them. For the last nine years, he was a
devoted member of the Runza Ice Cream Club with his granddaughter Lizzie, they met every
time there was an early-out from school!
Jim was an avid baseball fan, playing it in his younger years, and as he aged, he
attended games and watched endless hours of college and Major League match-ups. Jim loved
to collect tractors, especially John Deere, his collection was definitely museum-worthy. Bowling
was another activity that he enjoyed. He had a blast bowling for the church league for many
years and loved taking his grandchildren bowling and on many other adventures! Upon his
retirement, he took up craft-welding. His creations have been given to many people in the area,
as well as throughout the state. Jim had such a fantastic and contagious laugh, he will be
greatly missed.
Jim is survived by his children, Marcia Rubenthaler of Brady, Robin Hines (Ron) of North
Platte, Matt Rubenthaler of Lincoln, Gretchen David (Troy) of Brady, and his other “daughter”,
Karen Kroeker of Brady. His grandchildren, Allison (Brandon), Brooke, Derek, Trevor, and
Lizzie, his great-grandchildren, Gemmia and Beckham and and many nieces, nephews,
extended family, and friends.
Visitation for Jim will be held at the Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel in Gothenburg,
Nebraska, on Sunday, November 15th, 2020 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, with family present from
1:00 to 3:00.
Due to COVID, a small funeral service for family and close friends will be held at the
Cornerstone Bible Church, 1721 Lake Ave., Gothenburg, Nebraska on Monday, November 16, 2020
at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow in the Gothenburg Cemetery.
The service will be LiveStreamed for all, in order to keep everyone safe.
Memorials may be given to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 133, Gothenburg,
Nebraska 69138 or Svea Dal Evangelical Covenant Church, 1676 Svea Dal Road, Brady,
Nebraska 69123.
To sign the online guestbook, please go to www.blasestrauser.com.1:00 pm - 4:00 pm with the family present from 1:00-3:00 pm.

Private family funeral will be held at Cornerstone Bible Church, November 16, 2020 at 1:00 pm and will be Live Streamed for the Public on the Cornerstone Bible Church Gothenburg YouTube Page,  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEUnQ3omK9EVpp0w0giM0tw/featured

Burial will follow in the Gothenburg Cemetery, Gothenburg, Nebraska.

Memorials may be given to the Svea Dal Evangelical Covenant, 1676 Svea Dal Road, Brady, NE 69123 or The Gideons International, PO Box 133, Gothenburg, NE 69138.