Erma E. Rubenacker's Obituary
Erma Rubenacker, 99, of Decatur, Illinois, died January 23, 2025, at Imboden Creek Senior Living Center.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:30am Wednesday, January 29, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Decatur, with Fr. Joe Molloy as celebrant. Visitation will be one hour prior to the Funeral Mass. Entombment in the Star of Hope Mausoleum in Graceland Cemetery will follow the Mass.
Erma was born September 9, 1925, in Piopolis, Illinois, to Wendell and Emelia (Herzing) Engel. She graduated from DePaul Hospital School of Nursing in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1947. On September 6, 1948, Erma married Geo. J. Rubenacker at St. John the Baptist Church in Piopolis, Illinois.
In 1951, George and Erma moved to Decatur, Illinois. Erma worked at St. Mary’s Hospital in nursing for 36 years. She loved her patients.
Erma and her husband were charter members of Holy Family Church. She was a long-dedicated parishioner. She was a member of the Franciscan Order of Lay Associates of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis and an active member of Eucharistic Adoration at S. Mary’s Hospital Chapel for 20 years.
Erma is survived by her children: Larry (Maggie) Rubenacker of Canton, MA, Barbara (Frank) Headington of Neenah, WI, Mary (Mike Powaga) Langan-Powaga of Aurora, IL, and Thomas (Mary Rose) Rubenacker of Wheaton, IL. There are 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Erma was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Erma was a devoted Catholic, wife, and mother. She always had a smile for everyone.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Holy Family Church or School. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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