Ruben Auernhamer

Frankenmuth, MI

Ruben Richard Auernhamer, 95, was welcomed into Jesus' presence on October 14, 2020. Rube was born in Vassar, Michigan on December 19, 1924, to Carl J. and Alma E. (Hecht) Auernhamer. Married to Mildred B. Loesel of Frankenmuth on October 14, 1950, it is fitting and representative of Rube's loving dedication that he would join his wife in heaven on their 70 ^th wedding anniversary. Millie predeceased him on January 16, 2020. He is survived by their 6 children and spouses, David (Betty) Auernhamer, Rev. Mark (Nola) Auernhamer, Heidi (Donald) Thorsen, Steven (Lisa) Auernhamer, Mary (David) Smith, John (Carrie) Auernhamer. He was "Opa" to 21 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, frequently pulling each of them close for a hug, with a twinkle in his eye, to reassure of his love for them. Ruben is survived by his brother Howard (Edith) Auernhamer, sisters-in-law Nancy (Glenn) Auernhamer Klopf and Leona (Vernon) Guenther, and many nieces and nephews. He has now been reunited in heaven with his wife, parents, sister Lorna M. (Clarence) Kern, and brothers Ernest C. (Janet) Auernhamer and Glenn N. Auernhamer.

First and foremost in Ruben's life was his faith in Jesus Christ and his quiet, but determined resolve to share that faith with others. Ruben served in various capacities in the church, and he regularly invited others to trust and know Jesus. He had a tremendous heart for missions, and put that into action by participating in multiple short-term mission trips to Honduras through World Gospel Outreach. Ruben worked with the local chapter of Gideons International for many years, to help spread God's Word to all people. However, his greatest witness was to his children and grandchildren. The German hymns and prayers sung with them will be forever part of their memories.

Ruben lived a life filled with enthusiasm, curiosity, hard work and service to others. Growing up in the community of Richville, he learned and loved the life of farming. He worked side by side with his parents as they grew crops, vegetables and livestock for both sale and family sustenance. When Ruben was in his early twenties, his father sought to improve the farm's land by installing drainage tile. He purchased a trenching machine and placed Ruben in charge of this new farm operation. That was the beginning of Ruben's lifelong career, as he quickly developed and perfected the variety of skills necessary to tile and drain the many agricultural fields ranging throughout mostly Saginaw, Tuscola and Genesee Counties. Ruben spent more than 50 years in his profession as a drainage specialist and developed many personal and treasured friendships. Auernhamer Trenching grew as Ruben's son David joined him in 1978, and continues to thrive today with his grandson Adam now carrying forward Ruben's legacy. It was the people he met and the relationships he developed with his clients, whether farmers or engineers, that made Ruben the most happy in his business.

Family life was a priority for Ruben. He dedicated himself to his wife and children, fully supporting their activities and interests. He took great pride in sharing his love of the outdoors with all his children. Ruben loved to be in the woods, whether to cut wood, hunt, tap maple trees for syrup, or to go hiking. He enjoyed many incredible deer and bird hunting outings with his sons, and even an Alaskan wilderness backpacking adventure at the spry age of 75. Family camping trips to the western states and East Coast were highlights, as were family weeks at Camp Arcadia. Ruben loved adventure and his family always knew that when Dad got out the maps there was something fun being planned. He was well prepared for this final adventure, trusting the Bible as the only "map" that can guide the way, and confidently knowing that Jesus would be there to welcome him to his heavenly home.

If you wish to honor the memory of Ruben's life in a tangible way, please consider donating to World Gospel Outreach, Gideons International, Camp Arcadia, St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, or another Christian ministry of your choice.

Memorial service will take place on Monday, October 19, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, 1030 W. Tuscola St., Frankenmuth, Michigan. Ruben's family will receive visitors at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.