Ishpeming Twp. - Ruben "Rube" Champion, age 86, of 250 Lawrence Ave., Ishpeming Twp. died suddenly yet peacefully at his home on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019.

Ruben was born in Ishpeming on June 15, 1932 to the late Ruben and Amelia (Niemi) Champion. He graduated from Ishpeming High School in 1950 and was proud of his record for not missing a day of school and was never tardy. Soon after graduation, Rube joined the United States Air Force. He was selected and trained as a cryptographer and served with an elite team of cryptographers during the Korean War. He was also recruited to the United States Air Force Ski Jumping Team in Lake Tahoe, Nevada where he won first place. Rube was employed by the Jones and Laughlin Co. at the Tracy Mine in Negaunee following his honorable discharge from the USAF. After the closure of the Tracy Mine, he worked for A. Lindberg and Sons.

Rube married Donna Benson on August 27, 1955 and they held hands throughout life. They celebrated 63 wonderful years of marriage last August. Rube and Donna were actively involved in the formation of the NICE Community School District.

Rube was employed as Pool Operator when Westwood High School (WHS) opened in 1974. He later became Maintenance Supervisor until 1995 when he retired. Rube was honored to receive the first WHS Staff Achievement Award in 1991.

Rube served 34 years as a Trustee on the Ishpeming Township Board. He was a charter member of the Ishpeming Township Fire Department and served as Captain. He was president of the Ishpeming Township Recreation Committee and Vice President of the Zoning Board for many years.

Rube enjoyed playing pool with his buddies, going to watch Westwood sporting events, and Westerns were his favorite movies. He knew someone everywhere he went. He never met a person he didn't like. His outgoing personality and clever sense of humor would always make people laugh. He was a pleasure to know. Rube enjoyed his dogs at home and cared for wildlife at their camp. Rube combined his love for woodworking and trailblazing by placing wooden silhouettes in interesting places along the trails throughout the property.

Rube was an active member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Ishpeming Township. He treasured God's word and his love for it was evident in the way he lived and in his continual presence at worship and bible study. Rube was also a lifelong member of the V.F.W. post #3165 in Negaunee.

Survivors include his wife and love of his life Donna Champion of Ishpeming Twp., daughter Debra Champion of Carthage, NC, two grandchildren, Matthew (Jenny) Champion of Bear Creek, NC, Chelsea (Derek) Mars of Hillsborough, NC, two sisters, Karen Champion of Ishpeming Twp. and Jean (Donald) Palomaki of Bartlett, IL, four great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Joanne (Harlen) Erickson, and a niece Sarah Palomaki.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at the Christ the King Lutheran Church in Ishpeming Twp. with Military Honors to be accorded by the United States Air Force at the conclusion of the services.  The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00 AM until the time of services on Saturday at Christ the King Lutheran Church.  A luncheon will follow the services in the church hall.  Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.  Members of the Ishpeming Twp. Volunteer Fire Dept. will serve as pallbearers.

Ruben's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

Ruben's funeral recording may be listened to here .