Charles R. "Charlie" Ruberg

Charles R. "Charlie" Ruberg, age 88, of Oquawka, Illinois, said good-bye to his family at his home on Friday, February 17, 2017. Charlie was born on November 9, 1928, the son of Thomas "Bud" and Blanche Ives (Green) Ruberg. He was raised and educated in Oquawka and graduated from Oquawka High School in 1948. He went to work at I.A.A.P. in Middletown, Iowa for two years. Charlie married E. Bette Gobert on July 26, 1954 and she preceded him in death August 22, 2010. Charlie retired from a career in the United States Air Force in 1970 retiring a Master Sgt. after serving twenty years. He later retired from Gale Products in Galesburg, Illinois. During his career in the Air Force, he served as Presidential Security for both President Kennedy and President Johnson aboard Air Force One. He was working security for President Kennedy on the flight to and from Dallas the day of his assassination. Charlie also served a tour in the Vietnam Conflict. He was a charter member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3629, devoting many years to the organization. Charlie coached men's fast pitch softball for twenty years. He also coached girls fast pitch softball, pony league, and umpired many games. He maintained the park and field for over forty years. Charlie was named Citizen of the Year in Oquawka in 2002. The ball park was named "Charlie's Field" in 2015. He loved gardening, fishing, playing pitch, mushrooming, evening road trips looking for deer, making recipe books, but most of all, he loved his family. Charlie is survived by one daughter, Linda (Todd Chandler) Miller of Oquawka, IL, two sons; Michael R. (Joni Alecock) Ruberg and Bruce A."Rebel" (Renea) Ruberg, both of Oquawka, IL, three grandchildren; Colby (Heidi Pierce) Miller, Ryan (Danielle) Miller, and Katelyn ("BJ" Billings) Miller, and one great-grandson, Grayson Miller. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, three brothers, and one sister.

A funeral service is planned for 12:00 Noon on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at Turnbull Funeral Home in Oquawka, Illinois. His family plans to receive friends from beginning at 10:00 AM prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment with Military Honors will be in the Oquawka Cemetery. A memorial fund is being established for Hospice Compassus. For more information, or to leave a condolence, please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com.