Obituary: (1934-2024)
John D. Rubino, 90, of Dunkerton died Sept. 27, 2024, at the La Porte City Specialty Care. He was born February 27, 1934, in Oelwein, to Michael and Philomena (Alessio) Rubino. He lived in Chicago, Evansdale, Waterloo, and Dunkerton. He married Darlene Green April 9, 1960, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Waterloo. He had many jobs throughout life, beginning as a newspaper boy in Oelwein. He worked at the Nabisco plant in Chicago making Oreo cookies. He traveled on the iron ore boats across the Great Lakes. He worked for Western Union putting up telegraph lines before being drafted into the Army to serve during the Korean War. He was stationed in Japan and worked in communications installation. Most gratefully, just before being shipped over to Korea, the cease fire was declared. John returned to Oelwein, and worked assorted jobs including construction in Waterloo. He was involved in building West High and the school in Dunkerton; Maple Lanes, and many other local buildings. He worked as a bellhop at the Russell Lampson hotel. Other jobs include a filling station attendant, fire extinguishing equipment installer (KFC was one of his installs), and finally made John Deere his career for 30 years. He worked in electrical and mechanics all over the downtown location. He retired in 1988, moved to Dunkerton, welcomed his first grandchild, and he and Darlene traveled to Estero, Fl to spend many winters from 1995-2009. He also enjoyed spending summers with the family at "The Land" near Ferryville, Wisconsin. John learned many trades and was always fixing something. He never had to call a plumber or carpenter and did most of his own car repairs.
John is survived by his daughter, Kim Rubino (Auke Schautanus) of Ferryville, WI, and son, Nick (Patty) Rubino of La Porte City. Two granddaughters, Kat (Ashley) Sherman and Kimberly Rubino; three great-grandchildren Joshua, Anavrin, and Anakin. Two sisters'-in-law, Brenda Brinkyark and Jackie Rubino.
John was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene. Two sons, Donald and Vince; brothers Tony (Donna), Lewis (Beverly), Mike and Jim. Sisters Connie (Fred Jenkins), Theresa (Jasper) Ricchio, and Mary (Bruno) Kaminski. He also looked forward to being reunited with his best friends, Luigi Stasi and Vern Steva.
Funeral Mass will be 10:00am, Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at Sacred Heart Church, Waterloo, with visitation an hour before services.
Burial will be 1:00 Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at the Woodlawn Cemetery, Oelwein, with military rites by the Oelwein American Legion Post #9.
In lieu of flowers, John requested that memorials be made to the family.
Condolences may be directed to www.lockefuneralservices.com