SFC (Ret) Reuben Paul Sundell

Reuben Paul Sundell, son of the late Paul and Elsie (Sielig) Sundell, was born August 10, 1932 in Hamburg, North Dakota, where he grew up and attended school. At the age of 17, Reuben enlisted in the United States Army (with his mother signing the wrong paperwork). He eventually went to Korea and spent 18 months there during the war. He served his country faithfully through three different wars and retired after 25 years of service. He had attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. While in Germany, Reuben met the love of his life, Gisela Ella Mergel. They were married on April 7, 1959 in Marnheim, Germany and have shared the last 50 years together. They were blessed with three children: Mark, Roy and Sharon. After retiring from the military, Reuben worked for Namen Bollinger as manager at the trailer court. After leaving there, he became employed with the Department of Corrections in Jefferson City and retired after many years of service. In his spare time, Reuben enjoyed being outdoors; whether it was taking care of the lawn (which he was very proud of) or watching the birds, especially hummingbirds. Every summer, Reuben and Gisela would use 80 pounds of sugar just to feed the hummingbirds. He also liked working on his tractor and any other big heavy equipment. Reuben was always telling jokes and loved telling stories. His biggest joy came from spending time with this family, especially his grandchildren. He was particularly proud of his great granddaughter and thought she was the best thing since sliced bread. He was always putting his family first and he loved them dearly. Reuben was a faithful member of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church and was a big supporter of the youth group at the church. He would help out anyway he could until his health prevented him from doing so. Reuben went home to be with his Lord at 2:10 p.m., Friday, August 21, 2009 at Sunset Village of the Ozarks at the age of 77 years and 11 days. Reuben will be very sadly missed, but fondly remembered by his wife: Gisela; three children: Mark Sundell and wife, Sherry, Roy O. Sundell and wife, Cathy all of Waynesville, Sharon Pierce and husband, Gary of Murphy, Texas; two brothers; five sisters; nine grandchildren; one step-grandson; one great grandchild, other relatives and many friends. In addition this his parents, Reuben was preceded in death by one sister and an infant son. Funeral services were held at 3:00 P.M. Tuesday, August 25, 2009 in Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Robert, Missouri with Rev. Richard Anderegg officiating. The congregation sang “Amazing Grace” and “My Redeemer Lives”. Faith Dunn and Michelle Jones sang “How Great Thou Art”. Serving as escorts were Paul, Bradley, Justin and Tyler Sundell, Trevor, Hunter and Skyler Pierce and Wesley Nickels. Burial with military honors followed in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Reuben Paul Sundell to Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory.

SFC (Ret) Reuben Paul Sundell

August 10, 1932 - August 21, 2009