Donald Rip Reukema, 93

Donald Rip Reukema was born April 1, 1919 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He passed away February 4, 2013 in Keller, Texas. Don was the son of Rip Reukema and Erna LaBahn.

Don graduated from Washington High School, Milwaukee in 1938 and started his long career with the Wisconsin Telephone company in 1941. On May 10, 1941 he married Marian A. Schubert, his soul mate and the joy of his life. They both thoroughly enjoyed their retirement years around Mountain Home, AK. The 57+ years they spent together before her death in 1998 were a tribute to marriage.

In March 1943, Don took a leave of absence to join the United States Army. He served in Company B, 303rd Signal Operations Battalion earning the rank of Master Sergeant. He established telephone and radio communications in Europe and eventually for Generals Bradley and Eisenhower. He was honorably discharged in November 1945.

After his discharge from the army, he continued his career at the Wisconsin Telephone Company and various Bell Telephone affiliates and retired in 1974 moving to Mountain Home Arkansas. He moved to Keller, TX. in 2000.

Don is survived by his son Donald and his wife Martha, 2 Grandsons: Daniel and wife Jennifer and Brian and wife Melissa, 3 Great Grandsons: Ryan, Brady and Logan, a Daughter-in-Law Susan, Brother-in-Law Tom Bauer, Sister-in-Law Lynn Wendelborn, lifetime friend Margaret Wieber and many nieces and nephews and 2 Beloved Dogs: Margo and Sadie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Marian, his brother Richard, his sister Janice Bauer and brother-in-law Oscar Schubert Jr.

A memorial service will be held Friday, February 8, 2013 at 2:00 pm in Founders Chapel at Whites Chapel United Methodist Church, 185 S White Chapel Blvd Southlake, TX 76092.

In lieu of flowers, Don would like any heartfelt donations to your local Humane Society or to Whites Chapel United Methodist Church.

Published in Baxter Bulletin <http://baxterbulletin.com> on February 7, 2013