Ernest Charles Ruehle, the son of Robert and Marguerite (McMartin) Ruehle, was born August 24, 1937, in Trinidad, CO. He died March 10, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Society in Red Oak, IA, at the age of 86 years, 6 months, and 17 days.
Ernest graduated from Lee Summit High School in Missouri with the class of 1955. He then graduated from Baker University in 1960 with a BS in Sociology. On December 22, 1958, he was united in marriage to Martha Eileen Blaisdell in Independence, MO. Seven children were born to this union: Cynthia, Judith, Robert, Richard, Scott, Dan, and Donald. Ernest worked for the Red Cross in San Antonio, TX, for a short time before he took a position as a Foreign Service Officer with the Department of State. While working as a Foreign Service Officer, Ernest and his family lived in Portugal, Mexico, Bulgaria, Taiwan, Burma, Brazil, and Costa Rica. He retired in 1987, and moved to Oakland, IA. He was elected Mayor of Oakland in 1996.
Ernest was a member of the Hancock United Methodist Church. He served as Lay Pastor in Tenant, IA, also assisted with several churches in Council Bluffs, IA. He had been active in Hispanic Ministry with the United Methodist Church. He helped found the Centro Latino of Iowa in Council Bluffs, along with serving on their board for many years. He was involved with Share Iowa, and the Oakland Lions Club. He enjoyed cars, playing cards, reading, watching sports, dogs (especially Akita’s), and traveling. He loved spending time with his family.
Ernest is preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Patricia Sage.
He is survived by his wife Martha Ruehle; his children: Cynthia Ruehle, Judith Moore, Robert Ruehle and husband Gev, Richard Ruehle and wife Becky, Scott Ruehle and wife Jess, Dan Ruehle and wife Jeanie, and Donald Ruehle; his grandchildren: Cassaundra and husband Cole Griffith, Marguerite Moore and husband Michael Land, Bethany and husband Dakota Baughan, Anastasia Harris, Jackson Moore and wife Cheyenne Falls, Fletcher Moore, Hayden Moore and wife Emily, Faith Moore, Damian Ruehle, Jayne and husband Matt Fidei, and Lithy Ruehle; his great-grandchildren: Evie, Mack, Adaline, Lizzie, Winnie, Victoria, Avery, Haley, Evelyn, and Thea. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 18, 2024, at 10:30 AM, at the Hancock United Methodist Church in Hancock, IA. Interment will be in the Oaklawn Cemetery at Oakland, IA. Rieken Vieth Funeral Home in Oakland is assisting the family with arrangements.
