John Rubertus

MCKINNEY, TX–John Rubertus, 84, of McKinney, TX peacefully passed away on November 23rd, 2024, from complications of pulmonary fibrosis and heart failure.

John was born on September 30th, 1940, to Melvin and Beatrice (Nelson) Rubertus in Marshall, MN. He was 1 of 4 children, 1 older and 2 younger. At 17, John enlisted in the United States Navy. John is very proud of his service. He was eventually stationed on an aircraft carrier, the USS Bennington. John served for 4 years in the Navy and served during the start of the Vietnam war.

Afterwards, he returned to Minnesota where he met the love of his life, Arlette. John and Arlette married on September 25th 1965. John and Arlette soon started expanding their family welcoming first Jeffrey John and then Julie Ann after moving from Minneapolis to Bemidji, MN. John’s line of work was in the glass trade, at one point owning his own glass shop with help from the family. Eventually they moved to Reno, following his work.

During their many years together, John and Arlette moved a lot, including across country and eventually moved to McKinney, TX in 2006. John’s woodworking passion took off there, creating magic from their garage.

John loved to fish, visit family, garden and woodwork. He designed and built most of the furniture in his and Arlette’s home along with furniture for the family. His passion for fishing and hunting has been passed down to all children and grandchildren. He also loved cooking for his family and held a deep faith in God alongside his wife. His love of fishing led him to yearly summer-long vacations to Bemidji, MN. There, he would relax and fish with his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Andy Kuik on their property (Isle O’ Pines) He loved the time throughout the summer when the family would join him.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Arlette, parents, Melvin and Beatrice and brothers, Tom and Bob Rubertus. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Jeff and Sherri Rubertus; daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Mark Paul; grandchildren, Sarah (Chris) Aagesen, Nicole Rubertus (Colby Murphy) and Nathaniel Morgan, and his first great-grandchild Alexander Aagesen. There are many, many nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins that are too many to list yet were held very dear and close in his heart. Services are Saturday, January 4th at 2:00pm at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 Virginia Pkwy, McKinney, TX.

Flowers and wishes may be sent directly to Trinity Presbyterian Church or donate to the Trinity Barnabas Fund, click here. The Barnabas Fund can be found in the fund column.