February 26, 1948 - August 12, 2023
A funeral service for Ruben was held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, at Oakcrest Funeral Services, Algona. Visitation was held from 3 p.m. until the time of service.
Fernando Ruben Cantu was born on Feb. 26, 1948, in Crystal City, Texas; son of Francisco and Teodora (Guerrero) Cantu. He grew up in Crystal City, Texas, graduating from Crystal City High School in 1967.
On March 27, 1971, he was united in marriage to Maria del Rosario Teresa Fuentes. The couple lived in Crystal City, Texas until following in his brother Frank’s footsteps and moved to Algona shortly after their marriage. Ruben held a variety of jobs including: Everd’s Brothers Construction in Algona; trucking for Commercial Services; Geise Construction in Eagle Grove; Martin Marietta in Humboldt; Nutrient Ag Solutions in Irvington; and bartended at Pep’s for over 40+ years.
Ruben had a passion for golf and his enthusiasm for the sport was evident to all who knew him. His self-proclaimed title of “Ruben Tiger Cantu” spoke to his dedication on the course. Ruben also found joy in the game of pool and the bonds he made with fellow players. He especially enjoyed the company of his family. Ruben was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Iowa Hawkeyes.
Ruben passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, at Mayo Clinic, Methodist Campus in Rochester, Minn. He was 75.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Rose; children, Rebecca (Lesa) Cantu, Fernando Ruben Jr. (Christine) Cantu, Reynaldo Tomas Cantu, Rachel Cantu and Rosa Maria Stein; grandchildren, Alexander, Jordan, Brady, Shaliko, Ethan, Olivia, Ashley, Evan, Colby and Sabrina; great-grandchildren, Ayla, Bria and Felix. He is also survived by his siblings, Fred Cantu, Maria (Jeff) Edwards, Melba Cantu; many nieces and nephews, and his pet dog, Chuey.
Preceding him in death are his parents; brothers, Fermin and Francisco “Frank” Cantu; sister-in-laws, Belia and Bonnie Cantu; and grandchildren Andrew and Angel.
Online condolences may be left at www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com