"Donna, Debbie, Mike and families, my thoughts and prayers are with you and may your memories and God's love bring you comfort as you go through this difficult time. Lean on friends and borrow strength from them as you continue on life's journey as he would want you to. Karen Henry Riley"
In loving memory of
William "Bill" Rulon
December 13, 2010
William Arnold "Arnie" "Bill" Rulon, 73, son of William Victor and Emily Pauline (Wooden) Rulon was born on March 18, 1937 in Shenandoah, Iowa. Bill entered into eternal peace on December 13, 2010 at Elm Heights Care Center in Shenandoah, Iowa after a courageous battle with cancer.
Bill spent his early years living in Lincoln, Nebraska with his mother. In the mid 50's he moved to Shenandoah to live with his father and stepmother, Edna. He graduated from Shenandoah High School with the Class of 1956. Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country with pride and honor for 20 years. Bill retired from the Air Force in 1976 and moved his family to Shenandoah where he lived until his death.
On December 22, 1957 Bill was united in marriage to Donna Joanne Anderson at the First Baptist Church in Shenandoah, Iowa and to this blessed union two children, a daughter Deborah Coleen and a son, William Michael were born.
In addition to his Air Force career, Bill had many other job interests throughout his life including working at the Shenandoah Farmaster Plant, owning and operating along with his wife, Donna, the Rulon Stationery and Office Supply Store in downtown Shenandoah, served as an officer with the Shenandoah Police Department, Executive Director of Forest Park Manor, worked at the Shenandoah Pella Window Plant and most recently at the Shenandoah Hy Vee until his health declined. His most important job, however, was that of a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Bill's one big dream was to live on one of Minnesota's beautiful lakes and in 1992 he and Donna bought a small home on Lake Osakis in Minnesota where they lived until 1998. Bill enjoyed looking forward to visits from family and friends and because he loved to fish he would spend a lot of time on the lake with them. He was so happy to be able to see his grandchildren learn to fish, swim, enjoy tubing and just riding in the boat. His favorite time was going fishing after work in the evenings with Donna where they would enjoy the beautiful sunset over the water.
Some of Bill's hobbies included leather and jewelry making while serving abroad during his military years. He dearly loved the outdoors and enjoyed the beauty of nature. He enjoyed fishing and hunting most of all with his son and grandchildren. Bill was an avid self-taught woodcarver. He carved Christmas gifts every year for members of his family. Giving his carvings to friends and family gave him much pleasure and satisfaction. Bill felt very honored when in 2006 he was asked to do a carving for Shenandoah's Sister City, Tisovec, Slovakia. He also enjoyed carpentry, traveling, watching sports on TV, attending his grandchildren's school and sport activities, reading, morning coffees with friends on the screened in porch, Southern Gospel Music, playing with his faithful companion Penny, his much beloved Golden Retriever, spending time on the computer and the weekly dominoes games with neighbors and friends.
He was a member of the Shenandoah American Legion Post #88, the National Woodcarvers Association and attended the First Baptist Church in Shenandoah, Iowa. He enjoyed his life to the fullest and wherever he went, be it North, South, East, or West, he always made a friend.
Bill was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, brother Billy Jean Rulon and a sister Elanor Kathleen Rulon, both as infants, brother Richard DeWayne Rulon, nephew Richard Allan Rulon and his loving companion Penny.
Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife Donna of 52 years; daughter Deborah Stephens of Grand Island, NE; son Michael Rulon and wife Nancy of Shenandoah; grandson Brent William Stephens of Grand Island, NE; grandson William Bradley Rulon and granddaughter Kerri Nicole Rulon both of Shenandoah, IA; other relatives and many friends.
Tributes
"To the Rulon Family (especially Brad and Kerri), So sorry for your loss! Sounds like he lived his life to the fullest - if we could all do what we love in our later years. Remember all the good times and lessons I am sure that he gave you. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time, Teresa Simmons and family"
"I am sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. I enjoyed the visits I had with him whether it be about Law Enforcement,wood, or life in general. I still remember the first time I met Bill. I wasn't even wet behind the ears as a Police Officer. He drove to the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in Johnston to take a test, and I rode along as I also had to take the test also. I thought to myself as we got into a vehicle at the old Police Station " well this is going to be a boring ride". Bill must have sensed this, as our conversation soon turned to the outdoors, ,something we both loved. As many times as I have been to Des Moines for Classes over the last 20 years, I still remember that ride and our conversation up and back. I feel very fortunate to have been able to work with some of the "old timers" in Law Enforcement. I probably learned more from Bill, Don Rogers, Don Dailey, and even Dick Hunt than anyone will ever know. They taught me how to read people and when to be cautious more than any other group of people I have worked with. Someone should have probably intervied each one of them and written down the stories they told, as it would have made an interesting history of the Police Department. Well enough about my memories of Bill. May you find comfort in knowing that your husband, father, & grandfather touched more lives than you may ever know. Lyle "
"I would never forget Bill always come in their stationary shop to buy my staples and paper supplies he was so very friendly oh dear he is sadly miss but at least no longer have to suffer the pain and that he rest in peace may god bless you all i am deaf from shenandoah iowa me and my aunt marilyn kay parman send and share our sympathy with you all"
"Our family sends its deepest sympathy. We are very sorry for your loss."
"Donna and family: We are so shocked and sorrowed by the news of Bill's passing. Always enjoyed visiting with him and you. He will be sorely missed. Your friends, Bob and Barb Ginger"