Arvin F. Rubida

ELK POINT, S.D. -- Arvin F. Rubida, 84, of Elk Point passed away Friday, March 18, 2011 at a local hospital.

Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Elk Point, with the Rev. Robert Lacey officiating. Burial will be in Elk Point Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., and a vigil service at 7 p.m., at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Online condolences can be sent to meyerbroschapels.com.

Arvin was born the son of Lawrence and Ruth (Ryan) Rubida on Jan. 21, 1927, on a farm near Elk Point, S.D. He attended country school at Pleasant View and Curry, and graduated from Elk Point High School. After his schooling, Arvin honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy.

Arvin married Elaine Landers on Sept. 30, 1947, in Jefferson, S.D. They moved to the family farm where they lived until 1978. Arvin and Elaine then moved to Elk Point. Arvin began selling insurance in 1959 for Mutual of New York. In 1961, Arvin started the Rubida Insurance Agency. In 1968, Arvin also began selling real estate.

Arvin enjoyed playing cards and fishing at Pickstown, S.D. He was an avid sports fan, and supported the Iowa Hawkeyes. He loved spending time with his family and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Arvin was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was Commander of Legion Post 134 for several years. Arvin was a proud five-year dialysis patient.

Arvin is survived by his wife, Elaine of Elk Point; one daughter, Mary Aldridge of Costa Mesa, Calif.; two sons, Bruce (Kathy) Rubida of Elk Point, and Mark Rubida (Jackie Wolf) of Elk Point; two brothers, Alvin Rubida of Auburn, Calif., and Lawrence (Ivern) Rubida Jr. of Puyallup, Wash.; three sisters, Reidella (Sid) Engman of Vermillion, S.D., Leaetta (Jim) Saporito of Los Angeles, Calif., and Udyene Christopherson (Van Pierce) of Vermillion; eight grandchildren, Heidi (Josh), Karen (Ryan), Michael, Seth (Corri), Logan, Carly (Marty), Noah and Jacob; and six great-grandchildren, Ally, Andrew, Hannah, Ethan, Karly and Kylee.