The Rotary Club of Rapid City is celebrating the life of Dr. Reuben Bareis, 1928-2025. Reuben’s service to his Club and community was measured by time… but was distinguished by deep moral conviction and love for all mankind.
Dr. Reuben Bareis, 1928-2025
On April 30, 2025, Dr. Reuben Bareis, 97, beloved member of the Rapid
City Rotary Club since 1958, passed away. A large crowd celebrated his
life in a memorial service on June 14.
City Rotary Club since 1958, passed away. A large crowd celebrated his
life in a memorial service on June 14.
Reuben’s service to his Club and community was measured by time… but
was distinguished by deep moral conviction and love for all mankind.
Reuben was the epitome of the ethical leader, a role model for all who
knew him, and a mentor for countless men and women who turned to him
for advice – or, as often happened, received it unsolicited!
was distinguished by deep moral conviction and love for all mankind.
Reuben was the epitome of the ethical leader, a role model for all who
knew him, and a mentor for countless men and women who turned to him
for advice – or, as often happened, received it unsolicited!
For Reuben, Rotary was personal. It was networking and socializing, of
course. But it created opportunities to, as Martin Luther King said, “bend
the arc of history toward justice, equality and understanding.” He and his
wife Marloe loved to host GSE team members and Youth Exchanges from
around the world. Together they attended multiple Rotary International
Conventions and used those opportunities to reconnect with their
numerous international Rotary friends.
course. But it created opportunities to, as Martin Luther King said, “bend
the arc of history toward justice, equality and understanding.” He and his
wife Marloe loved to host GSE team members and Youth Exchanges from
around the world. Together they attended multiple Rotary International
Conventions and used those opportunities to reconnect with their
numerous international Rotary friends.
Reuben was a physician in his heart and soul, as well as training. He
dedicated his later professional years to gerontology. From that study
came his inspiration to found the first continuing care community for the
retired and elderly in Rapid City, Westhills Village.
dedicated his later professional years to gerontology. From that study
came his inspiration to found the first continuing care community for the
retired and elderly in Rapid City, Westhills Village.
In recognition of a lifetime of Service Above Self, Dr. Bareis was inducted
into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2019.
into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2019.
Submitted by Richard Wahlstrom
605-484-7761
605-484-7761