Ruben Nitura Rullan

Ruben Nitura Rullan, 82, of Urbandale Iowa, died recently of a stroke .

Ruben was born in Rosario, La Union, Philippines in to Juanita and Jaime Rullan. He remembered eating many delicious tropical fruits when he was a child.   As a young person he enjoyed being near the sea with his high school friends.  His family enjoyed hearing the folklore of his youth.  He came to the United States after graduating from University of the East medical school.  He had more training in New York City and Denver, Colorado.

He married Linda Rouch.  They moved to Iowa where Ruben served as a civilian and military ophthalmologist. He was in private practice in Des Moines as an ophthalmologist for 23 years.  He was grateful to his adopted country and served as a doctor in the US Army Reserve at Ft. Des Moines,  in the 4224 and 830th units.  After 20 years he retired as a Colonel.

His many hobbies included cooking, gardening, traveling, taking photographs, running, swimming, listening to music, and spending time with his grandchildren. With his wife he traveled to most parts of the world.  His gardening included roses which his parents had also grown, Asian vegetables and fruit trees.  He participated in running and swimming in the Senior Games and often won in his age group.  He did runs with the DAM-to-DAM  Race, the Drake Relays and other races.  A special thrill was the annual Urbandale 4th of July run.  He taught a granddaughter how to cook ethnic foods.  All his grandchildren enjoyed walking for ice cream with him. He spent many hours in the Urbandale Public Library where he read newspapers or purchased books and CD’s.

Ruben was active in the Filipino American community. He was proud to be from the Northern part of the Philippines and be called an Ilocano.

Dr. Rullan was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, and a sister. He is survived by his wife, Linda Rullan; his children, Cynthia Rullan, Maria (David Nelmark), Julie (Donald Hayes); and three grandchildren.

Visitation will be Friday September 22 at 5 pm to 7 pm at Caldwell Parrish 8201 Hickman, Urbandale.

A memorial service will be held at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 3600 75th Street, Urbandale, on Saturday September 23.   There will be visitation at 10-11 am and a memorial service at 11:00.  A lunch will be served at the church.

Interment will be on Tuesday September 26 at 2 pm at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Adel.

Donations to the Urbandale Public Library Foundation will be greatly appreciated.  https://www.urbandalelibrary.org/about-us/foundation/