Howard Ruback - Builder, Giver, Selfless Spirit

Howard Ruback was born on June 29, 1927 in Sioux City, Iowa. He was a devoted son to his parents, Eva and Meyer Ruback (both from Russia), and to his brother Norman and sister Barbara. The family moved to Avoca, Iowa before settling in Omaha.

Interested in sound technology as a teenager, Howard operated the sound system at the Orpheum Theater during the Big Band era, working with all of the legendary performers of that day. He also installed the sound system for Saint Mary's Church, so that the chiming of the bells could be heard from the towers.

Howard met Faye Schwartz at the University of Minnesota, when they were both 17. Faye says that he treated her like a princess and was unlike anyone she had ever met. He loved his wife very much, and they would have been married for 60 years on August 31, 2007. They had already reserved a date at the synagogue to celebrate their Diamond wedding anniversary.

Howard and Faye lived in Omaha for a short time before moving to live for the next 12 years in Plattsmouth, where they opened Ruback's Supermarket. They had four children: Shari, Nancy, Cindy, and Randy. It was important to both Howard and Faye that their children had a Jewish education. Even a snowstorm would not stop them from driving in for Sunday school and Hebrew school several times a week.

In Plattsmouth, Howard ran the family business, Ruback's Supermarket, working very long hours, often getting home late at night after the children were in bed. The family moved to Omaha in 1962.

When Food City opened at 120th and Center, it was a novel and innovative concept. Howard, his father Meyer, his brother Norman, and partners Joe Lipton and Art Sherman, created a multi-faceted store with a restaurant, liquor store, bakery, and deli. As the stores were being built, Howard could be seen up on the rafters working with the lights and sound. Howard's love of electronics and gadgets prompted him to bring in something that we all take for granted today: a scanner. At the time, this was so unusual that he had visitors from Japan who flew to Omaha to see it in operation. Another new concept: the Express Checkout. World of Food was another innovative concept, similar to Sam's Club. At one time, Food City was the largest grocery store in the Midwest. Howard Ruback was way ahead of his time.

Howard Ruback epitomized hard work. For 35 years, he was up at 6 in the morning and not home until 9 or 10 at night managing all of the grocery store operations. He took care of his parents, and tirelessly cared for his ailing brother Norman, who passed away in January 2007. When asked once how he could care for Norman, difficult as this was for him in his advanced years, he responded, “Have you seen that statue at Boys Town of those two brothers? It's just like it reads: ‘He ain’t heavy, he's my brother.’”

Howard became very active in the Jewish Community. He was president of Beth El Synagogue from 1983-1985, and was on the committee that found the land and hired the architects for Beth El’s present location. He was also a member of the Beth El Synagogue Board. He and Faye donated the sound system currently being used in the synagogue today. They also created the Ben and Celia Schwartz Transportation Fund in memory of Faye's parents. This fund was to provide transportation to the synagogue to anyone who needed help getting to services. Howard also found women in Omaha who had fine needlepoint skills to make the beautiful Torah covers used in the ark today. He also had the Tree of Life made which hangs outside the synagogue's chapel. For twelve years, he arranged the readers of the Torah for each week’s service. Howard often did the sound and recording for many of Beth El's special events, and for Beth Israel as well. He served as a mentor to many young individuals in the congregation who appreciated and benefited from his knowledge and caring nature. In more recent years at Beth El, he helped start Omaha’s first chapter of Hazak educational and learning programs for seniors, and then became Hazak's regional representative. Morton Siegel of the United Synagogue Hazak in New York recalls Howard as "a good, very decent, very intelligent man, who did a great deal of good for many, many people."

Because of his intense involvement in the Jewish Community, he was asked to serve as the Regional Representative to the National Board of Conservative Synagogues, a position that he held until his passing. He was on the Jewish Federation Board, the board of the Rose Blumkin home, and the board of the Friedel Jewish Academy. He was also a member of the Silent Committee, a group of anonymous benefactors who give donations to fund scholarships for deserving youth.

Howard also served the Omaha community as well, holding an Annual Pancake Feed in the parking lot at Food City to benefit Omaha’s public and parochial schools, and the Plattsmouth public schools. Thousands of people across the city attended, and Food City underwrote the entire event for 20 years. Howard stood for hours flipping pancakes. He was awarded for his contribution, and even had a license plate that read Pancake. Philanthropy was something inborn to Howard, just as his father, Meyer, was known for helping the needy, especially during the Depression.

Faye and Howard shared the wonderful hobby of showing dogs across the country. He was a lifetime member of the Nebraska Kennel Club, serving as its treasurer for many years, and both he and Faye were recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award in February 2007. He was also president of the Council Bluffs Kennel Club. Together, his two afghan hounds, Taralane's Carpetbagger and Big Red Machine, won 26 Best In Shows, and thirty hound groups. In addition, Big Red Machine won several afghan specialties, including Westminister in New York.

These are just a few of the many things he did for his community, investing himself heart and soul in each and every project. He was a giver, not a taker - in all aspects of his life. Although his contributions were vital to his sense of purpose in life, nothing was more important to him than his family. His son Randy recalls: "As a father, he was incredibly generous, lavishing his family with everything that they needed, always looking for new wants to fulfill. He tirelessly extended himself to us and to others. He encouraged his children to follow their heart's greatest dreams and desires."

He loved his wife Faye, and she returned that love with a devotion as great as his. They shared a loving marriage and grew in life together. He was dearly loved by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They will always have a lifetime of memories to cherish from a man who could never do enough for them. Driven by his love as a father, his family meant everything to him and he will be missed more than words can ever say. He was known for his bear hugs, big smile, and hearty laugh. He had a great sense of humor. He was not a man of words; his focus was on doing - doing and creating. He liked to work with his hands. Everything he touched became solid as a rock. It was quality all the way. He never cut any corners.

Howard Ruback was the embodiment of giving, generosity, and caring, not only for his family and the Jewish Community, but to people of all backgrounds and walks of life. He was highly respected as an ethical, good, and honest businessman. He lived his life for others. A modest, self-effacing man, he gave selflessly, gave generously, gave silently, and leaves behind him a good name. Howard Ruback remains a true legacy.

Howard Ruback is survivied by his wife of 59 years, Faye, and their four children: daughter and son-in-law, Shari and Bob Eades (of Omaha); daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Terry Wiseman (of Houston); daughter and son-in-law, Cindy Ruback and Mark Lowen (of Chicago); and son, Randy Ruback (of Milwaukee); six grandchildren: Cari and Gustavo Torres, Brian and Leslie Eades, Debra and Steve Skiles, Bari Wiseman, Mallory Wiseman, and Joshua Lowen; five great grandchildren: Jacob and Nicole, Emma and Carter, and Cameron; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Marshall Kushner; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is ever loved by his family.

Howard Ruback passed away on Friday, May 11, 2007. He succumbed to heart failure and multiple complications from diabetes at Bergen Mercy Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. He underwent his transition courageously.

The funeral service was held on Sunday, May 13 at 2 pm at Beth El Synagogue, 14506 California St., followed by interment at Beth El Cemetery. Memorials are requested to Beth El Synagogue or the American Diabetes Association.