Francis “Frank” Rueschenberg, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on May 31, 2026, at the age of 63.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 6th at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia. Friends may greet the family for visitation on Friday, June 5th from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church.
Frank was born on October 2, 1962, to Delbert and Anna (Hastert) Rueschenberg in Harlan, Iowa. Growing up on his family’s farm near Westphalia with seven siblings, Frank developed a strong work ethic, a humble spirit, and a deep appreciation for serving others. Those early years fostered a lifelong commitment to his family, his faith, and his community.
From an early age, music became an important part of his life. Frank played bass guitar and sang in two local bands, Broken Arrow and Tumbling Dice. During those years, he met Tami Musich, but it wasn’t until Frank stopped by her house on a motorcycle that he truly caught her attention. He graduated from Harlan Community High School in 1981. Frank and Tami were united in marriage on December 11, 1982, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan.
Together they made their home in Westphalia, where they planted deep roots and built a life filled with love, friendship, and service to their community. They were blessed with four children: Carlee, Jennifer, Jillian, and Marcus. Frank took great pride in his family and found joy in supporting his children through every stage of life. Through his guidance, encouragement, and sense of humor, he was a source of strength for those he loved.
In 1985, Frank started Frank’s Karpet Kleaning, which he owned and operated for 41 years before officially retiring from carpet cleaning in March 2026. Frank found great joy in music, attending many concerts with Tami and his family. Their home was always filled with music, and he loved discovering new artists. Frank also enjoyed collecting, restoring, and riding antique bicycles, riding his motorcycle, and hunting for meaningful antiques. He enjoyed gifting his treasures, carefully matching each one with the person who would appreciate it most.
Faith played an important role in Frank’s life. He was a devoted member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia, where he and Tami dedicated many years of service. Together they took great pride in caring for the parish grounds and supporting their church community. The St. Boniface grounds were the setting for many of the most meaningful moments in their family’s life, including baptisms, weddings, parish picnics, and countless celebrations. Frank’s passion and pride for his town ran deep, and he played an instrumental role in recently establishing the St. Boniface Heritage Center.
Nothing brought Frank greater happiness and pride than his four children and four grandchildren. He treasured time spent with them, attending their activities, celebrating their accomplishments, and creating memories that will remain with them forever. His love for his family was evident in every aspect of his life.
When Tami was diagnosed with cancer in 2018, Frank moved mountains to support her. He made countless special moments possible, from family getaways to ensuring she could attend nearly all of their grandchildren’s events. Tami passed away in December 2024, on the eve of their 42nd wedding anniversary. Their love story remained one of the defining blessings of his life.
Above all, Frank will be remembered as a kindhearted, loving, and hardworking man who could fix nearly anything. His family is deeply proud of him. Frank’s legacy of faith, devotion to family, and friendship will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Frank is survived by his children, Carlee Rueschenberg of Harlan, Iowa; Jennifer (Andy) Messersmith of Waukee, Iowa; Jillian (Adam) Hinners of Clive, Iowa; and Marcus Rueschenberg of Westphalia, Iowa; four grandchildren, Audrey Messersmith, Margo Messersmith, Miles Hinners, and Mac Hinners; siblings, Jerry Rueschenberg of Harlan, Iowa; Jane (BJ) Tremel of Panama, Iowa; Ed Rueschenberg of Westphalia, Iowa; Mary (Mike) Burke of Westphalia, Iowa; Carol (Bob) Schechinger of Treynor, Iowa; Joe (Amy) Rueschenberg of Harlan, Iowa; and many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Frank was preceded in death by his loving wife, Tami; his parents, Delbert and Anna Rueschenberg; brother Michael Rueschenberg; father- and mother-in-law Raymond and Viola (Weis) Musich; sisters-in-law Patricia Thomson and Carol Rose Musich; and brothers-in-law Randy Musich, Bob Kloewer, and Lee Rasmussen.
