Rueben Urban

Rueben J Urban, 88, of Loretto, KS passed away on May 3, 2025 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Rueben was born on October 24, 1936 on the family farm northwest of Loretto, the son of Frank and Rosalia (Breit) Urban. He was a lifelong resident of Rush County.

Rueben was a proud Bison Buffalo, graduating in the Bison High School class of 1954. He attended Brown Mackie College in Salina, KS. He joined the United States Army in 1955 was stationed in Germany, and honorably discharged two years later. He was pleased to share his time in service with his brother Al and always shared stories from this time in his life with great fondness.

On June 2, 1962, on a rainy day, Rueben married the love of his life, Virginia Engel at St. Mary’s, Loretto, KS. They were just one month shy of celebrating their 63rd wedding anniversary.

Farming, family, and friends were the center of Rueben’s life. He was well loved in his community, possessed a gentle demeanor, and could easily strike up a conversation with anyone he met. He was a member of the National Farming Organization, Knights of Columbus, and American Legion. He loved baseball and played for many teams including the Loretto Blue Jays, Bison Buffalos, Larned, Osborne, Salina, and even the Army baseball team while stationed in Germany. He was a loyal Royals fan and enjoyed watching them until the end. He enjoyed playing cards and was indeed lucky in cards and in life. Rueben was a barbecue master and enjoyed smoking jerky and even prepared whole hogs for parties and celebrations. Some additional hobbies included gardening, bowling, golfing, and fishing. Although he was a hard worker, he always took time to appreciate the simple pleasures in life. His greatest joy came from his family, spending each day with his wife, and watching his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren grow.

Survivors include: his wife, Virginia Urban, Loretto, KS, son-in-law, Lynn Lichter, Topeka, KS, one son, Ken (Melanie) Urban, Loretto, KS; two daughters, Karin Cross (Christopher) Alexandria, VA, and Kristen Janda (Jeff), Blue Hill, NE; eleven grandchildren, Andrew (Erin) Lichter, Erin Lichter, Brett Lichter, Kole (Ashley) Urban, Kade Urban, Blake Cross, Brock Cross, Ellie Janda, Owen Janda, Claire Janda, and Kate Janda; four great grandchildren, Beckett and Parker Lichter, and Remi and Kollie Urban; and one sister, Arlene Stramel (Gary), Hays, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Al Urban, his daughter, Kyle Lichter, and granddaughter, Millie Janda.

The funeral mass will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 9, 2025, at the St. Mary’s Help of Christians Shrine, Loretto, Kansas

Visitation will be Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a combined vigil and rosary service at 7:00 p.m. Friday visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. all at St. Mary’s Help of Christians Shrine, Loretto, Kansas.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary’s Shrine.

Please share memories on Rueben’s tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

Services in care of Keithley Funeral Homes-Brock’s Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.