Age 89 of Inver Grove Heights, MN
Died peacefully on August 21, 2019. He was born October 13, 1929 to Alvin and Selma Alitz and grew up on their farm in Altura, MN. He was a 1947 graduate of Lewiston-Altura High School. Reuben served in the United States Army after WWII and before the Korean War. Reuben married Vernice Ellinghuysen on April 28, 1951. They lived in Inver Grove Heights, MN and raised 3 sons. He worked as a high school math teacher for at Park High School in Cottage Grove and also coached football, basketball and track. He was a faithful member of Emanuel Lutheran Church for over 60 years. Reuben was avid bowler and bowled in several leagues over 30 years. He loved spending time at the family farm. Reuben is survived by three sons, Robert (Diane) Alitz of Maplewood, MN, Paul (Nancy) Alitz of Hastings, MN, and Richard (Liz) Alitz of Lake City, MN; six grandchildren, Ashley Alitz, Lauren (Nate) Meyer, Lisa (Jordan) Krause, Emily (Brendon) Smith, Matthew Alitz, and Hannah Alitz; great-grandchildren, Scarlett Meyer & Conrad Meyer; sister-in-law, Irene Nerison of Maple Grove as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Funeral Service 4:00 pm Sunday, September 8, 2019 at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 2075 70th St. E., Inver Grove Heights, MN. Visitation 2-4 pm prior to the service. Interment Emanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery. Luncheon following the service.
Rueben also Loved spending time with friends
- Coffee and breakfast with his teaching buddies after retirement
- Bowled for over 30 years often never missing a week in the season, recognized several times as the IRON MAN
- Getting together with extended family to visit and play cards and maybe a few beers
High school teacher for his full career, teaching geometry and algebra
Coached football, basketball (went to state tournament in 70’s) and track
Longtime member of Old Emmanuel Lutheran Church over 60 years
Served in the United States Armed Forces (Army) after WWII and before the Korean War
Loved taking care of his boy hood farm he kept that place “neat as a pin” and loved it when friends and family would stop by.
Liked to monitor the stock market. He would track number of shares and prices and write them down on slips of paper. He had thousands of slips of paper with micro number on both sides … I’m sure this kept his mid sharp. He did crossword puzzles for years also. And liked to read.
In the 60’s and 70’s did boating on the St Croix with his family and friends
Good dad, grandpa, husband and friend.
Very generous man. He loved to share his knowledge of investments and money with his family and friends
Used to have lots of bridge parties played bridge with his wife and friends
Liked his pick-up trucks, had several over the years, He was a Ford guy.
Raised in Altura on a farm. Very active in the Lewiston high school committees and sports