Funeral services are at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, 2009, at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Williston. The Rev. David Halaas and the Rev. April Peterson will officiate and interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Williston. Friends are encouraged to send their condolences to the family online at www.fulkersons.com.
Rueben was born on Sept. 28, 1935, in New Leipzig, the son of Fred and Ida (Auch) Wiedmer. He was raised and educated at New Leipzig. In 1955, he entered the Army, while spending much of that time in Germany. Upon being discharged, he returned to North Dakota.
In 1959, he moved to Tioga, beginning an oil field career working for R.A. Prather & Sons. In 1961, he was united in marriage to Judy Lund of Tioga. His employment with Tiger Oil Co. brought them to Williston in 1976, where they remained.
He was later part owner of H & L Well Service and went on to work for Lance Petroleum as a Production Consultant. His total oil field career reached a span of approximately 45 years in the Williston Basin area. Following his retirement, he and Judy spent their winters in Yuma, Ariz., and the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, where they made many friends and had many great times, but Rueben was always anxious to get home to see his family and grandchildren.
He especially enjoyed his five granddaughters, whom he dearly loved. His pastimes included playing golf with his wife and friends and helping his children with his handi-man skills. He also enjoyed gardening and hanging out with his friends in his garage having coffee.
He was always ready for a good shuffleboard game in his basement. He was known for his good sense of humor and easy-going personality and was loved by many.
Rueben is survived by his son, Darcy Wiedmer of Sharpsburg, Ga.; daughter, Shelly Lutz of Williston, and her three daughters, Amber Melland of Billings, Kylie Lutz of Fargo and Lauren Lutz of Williston and daughter, Lanelle and her husband Mark Crosswait of Rapid City, and their two daughters, Hailey and Danica; three sisters, Edna Hanson (Don) of Walla Walla, Wash., Thelma Rucker of Montgomery, Ala., and Helen Metz of Bismarck; brothers, Alvin (Alice) of Mott and Harold (Judy), Norman and Harry (Mary Ann) all of Tioga and several nieces and nephews.
Rueben was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Elsie and Floraine and two brothers, Tony and Toby. Rueben’s brother Norman passed away Thursday morning in Tioga.
The family desires that memorials be directed to the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1821 9th Avenue West, Williston, N.D., 58801, or Upper Missouri Ministries, 12601 58th Street N.W., Epping, N.D., 58843.
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