Rueben Junkert

Rueben Junkert, 80, Jamestown, ND died Thursday, January 5, 2012 at Eventide at Hi-Acres, Jamestown.

Rueben was born December 13, 1931 in Wishek, ND, the son of Gottlob and Elsie (Kungel) Junkert. He received his education in McIntosh County, near Fredonia, ND. After farming for several years, he attended Moler Barber College in Fargo from January to June 1956. On July 8, 1956 Rueben married Lillian Vogel in Kulm, ND. He entered the US Army on February 12, 1957 at Ft. Snelling, MN and served at Ft. Carson, CO until his honorable discharge on February 11, 1959. He and Lillian returned to make their home in Jamestown, where Rueben served as an apprentice barber for two years before opening Junkert's Barbershop in December 1961. He owned and operated his shop until retiring on December 31, 2009.

Rueben was an active member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, serving on various boards and committees. He was a charter member of the Sertoma Club, member of the Jamestown Jaycees, lifetime member of the Elks, served on the board of First Community Credit Union Credit Committee for 20 years and was a member of the ND Barber's Association. He joined other local barbers in service at Camp Grassick for many summers.

His hobbies included boating, fishing, pontooning, hunting, traveling with Lillian and friends, telling stories and reading about North Dakota history. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as much as they loved spending time with him.

Rueben is survived by his wife, Lillian, Jamestown; two daughters, Charlene Briner, Rosemount, MN and Pamela (Verlyn) Feigert, Jamestown; five grandchildren, Christopher Feigert, Jessica (Brandon) Tripp, Alexander Briner, Nicholas Briner and Nathaniel Briner; five great-grandchildren, Braden, Bryson, Jersey, Jorgen and Jeryca; and special friend, Jeff Briner.

He was preceded in death by his parents.