Oral Alden Rubitschung

Oral Alden Rubitschung, age 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025, in the Good Samaritan Society – Bethany Nursing Home in Brainerd, MN. He was born on January 28, 1938, in Springfield, MN, the son of Bernice (Dickson) and Irvin Rubitschung.

Oral graduated high school and enlisted in the Navy, where he honorably served 18 months before his leave to care for his father. He proudly served in the United States Airforce, retiring after 20 years of service. He also owned and operated Rubitschung’s Heating and Air in Hackensack, MN for 20 years.

Oral married the love of his life, Joyce (Friday), on December 30th, 1959, in Pine River, MN — just in time for a tax break that year. Their love was steady and strong, and for many years, every Saturday night, they could be found dancing together at The Eagles Club in Park Rapids, MN.

Oral had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and keeping things organized. He also had a special talent for smoking the best ribs and made wine, not to keep, but to give away to others — a quiet gesture of his generous nature.

He shared his time and skills as a foster grandparent at the Pine River-Backus School, where he helped students with woodworking projects, often guiding them as they made heartfelt gifts for their parents. He loved being a grandfather and great-grandfather, always making sure the grandkids got their fair share of ice cream and cookies. He cherished time with his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, teaching them how to feed the squirrels, deer, woodpeckers and other local wildlife – teaching them to enjoy the simple wonders of nature around his home.

Oral could be competitive and challenging, yet always helpful — like when he pitched in to help his daughter renovate her kitchen. He treasured time spent with his sons, whether fishing on Lake Superior or salmon fishing in Alaska. Camping and traveling became a favorite part of life after retirement — he and Joyce even managed to wear out a motorhome with all the miles and memories they shared.

Oral’s strong, generous, and spirited presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Oral is preceded in death by his parents, Bernice and Irvin; son, Dennis; brothers, Dean, Irvin, and Roger.

Oral is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joyce; daughter, Susan Fradenburgh; son, Kevin (Leann); brothers, Keith Gronquist, Leo (Theresa) and Neil (Jackie) Rubitschung; sister, Cleo (Phil) Kinnunen; grandchildren, Micheal, Melissa (Andrew), Kristi (Jeremie), Katie, Mikayla, Robert, Ryan, and Colter; greatgrandchildren, Kaden, Cole, Connor, Aunika, Jude, and baby girl on the way; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Oral’s Life will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with a one-hour visitation prior, all to be held at Northern Peace Funeral Home in Walker, MN. Pastor Leo Rubitschung officiating. Oral’s urnbearers are his children, Kevin and Susan. Honorary urnbearers are Ryan Downs, Don Gilmer, and Phil Kinnunen. Inurnment and Military Honors accorded by the Spencer Ross Post #134 Honor Guard will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Hackensack, MN, following his service.

Oral’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

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