Reuben R. Gonzales, 83, of Oelwein, Iowa died on Wednesday morning, September 5, 2012 at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo.

Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M. Monday, September 10, 2012 at the First Baptist Church, Oelwein, with Rev. Tim Schoepf officiating. Visitation: 2:00 to 6:00 P.M. on Sunday at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home, Oelwein and for one hour before the service at the church on Monday. Interment: Woodlawn Cemetery, Oelwein, Iowa. Military Graveside Rites by the Oelwein American Legion Ross Reid Post #9. Memorial Fund: First Baptist Church.

Reuben Roy Gonzales was born on November 29, 1928 at Oelwein, Iowa the son of Rudolph Carmen & Vera Marie (Sundstrom) Gonzales. He received his education from the Oelwein Schools. Reuben joined the Navy at the age of 17 years and served in the Aleutian Islands during W.W. II. Reuben was united in marriage to Betty Jean Sorensen on June 1, 1949 at the First Baptist Church in Oelwein. Reuben was a truck driver for Ruan Truck Lines for several years and was a carpenter for Ed Humphrey Construction. Reuben and his brother, Milton, also shingled many homes in Oelwein. Reuben worked for John Deere Co. in Waterloo and retired after 28 years of service. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, U.A.W. Local 838, Oelwein American Legion Ross Reid Post #9 and the Oelwein V.F.W. He enjoyed doing carpentry projects for his family and tinkering.

Reuben is survived by his Wife: Betty Gonzales of Oelwein; 2 Sons: Richard (Marilyn) Gonzales of Houston, Texas & Jerry (Lora) Gonzales of Oelwein; 7 Grandchildren: David (Sara) Gonzales, Keven (Diana) Gonzales, Ryan (Amiko) Gonzales, Jeremy Gonzales, Alissa Gonzales, Devin Gonzales & Logan Gonzales; 3 Great Grandchildren: Ashley Gonzales, Brendon Gonzales & Kaylee Gonzales; Sister: Lillian Batterson of Oelwein and Many Nieces & Nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son: Randy on October 10, 2003, son: Michael on December 15, 2005, 3 brothers: Rudolph, Carl & Milton and a sister: Mardelle.