Marion A. Ruebel

Dr. Marion A. Ruebel

Dr. Marion A. Ruebel, 81, passed away September 28, 2014.

Born in Manson, Iowa, he obtained both his Bachelor and Master Degrees from Iowa State Teacher's College, Cedar Falls, Iowa (now the University of Northern Iowa) and his Ph.D. from Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. He was later honored by both institutions with the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award from Iowa State and inducted into the Hall of Excellence at Northern Iowa. A veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Korean Conflict, he was a member of St. Hilary Parish in Fairlawn. Dr. Ruebel was President Emeritus of the University of Akron.

His life centered on a commitment to family, friends and the value of a quality education, principles learned in his beloved Iowa home. Hard work and determination were essential while holding multiple jobs, pursuing his education, and helping his wife of sixty-two years, Neom, raise a young family. A teacher and coach in the Colo, Tripoli, and Oskaloosa, Iowa school districts, he eventually entered secondary school administration and later a research position with the Iowa Department of Public Instruction, a position he often recalled with fondness.

In 1970 the family moved to Akron after he accepted a position as an assistant professor of secondary education at the University of Akron. Over the next thirty years he would hold numerous leadership positions at the University including: Assistant Dean of the College of Education (1974-1978); Dean of the University College (1978-1989); Interim Senior Vice President and Provost (1990-1991); Acting President (1992); Director of Alumni and Government Relations (1994); and 14th President of the University of Akron (1996-1999). "Rube" would not want it forgotten that he spent several cherished years as President of St. Vincent/St. Mary High School (1994-1996), following one of several "retirements" from the University. Friends and family often teased regarding his multiple retirements suggesting he enjoyed the retirement gatherings. More than likely he could never shake his deep work ethic and commitment to helping others realize their potential.

Preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ruth; sister and brother-in-law, Elayne and Bob Schernekau; brother, Edward; brother-in-law, Leo Duncanson and sister-in-law, Kay Ruebel; he is survived by his wife, Neoma; daughters, Victoria (Thomas) Hardy, Sherri (Brian) Nank and Joni (John) Barnard; son Tom (Lana) Ruebel; grandchildren, Ben (Emily) Nank, Leigh Hardy, Mackenzie Nank, Nick and Spencer Ruebel; great-granddaughter, Emma Nank; sister, Ruth Duncanson; brother, Leon (Mary) Ruebel; sister-in-law, Phyllis Ruebel; sister-in-law, Donna Schlemmer; brother-in-law, Ron Horbach; and Verlene Horbach; numerous nieces and nephews.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. FRIDAY at St. Hilary Catholic Church, 2750 W. Market St. Interment at Rose Hill Burial Park. Friends may call at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. THURSDAY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dr. Marion A. Ruebel Scholarship of Excellence, c/o The University of Akron Foundation, InfoCision Stadium, Akron, OH 44325-2603. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)