Ruel Eneboe

September 7,1952 - November 19, 2018

Service: Family will greet visitors at a Celebration of Life from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, November 24 at Canton High School in the Commons Area.

     Ruel Eneboe, a former science teacher in Canton and Lennox, passed away Sunday, November 18, at Sanford Hospice Foundation Cottage in Sioux Falls.   Family will greet visitors at a Celebration of Life from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, November 24 at Canton High School in the Commons Area.

     Ruel Peter Eneboe, born September 7,1952 to Reynold and Lois (Anderson) Eneboe, lived most of his life in the Canton, SD area. He attended Highland Rural School, Canton High School, and Augustana College. Ruel has always had a desire to help and make a difference in others’ lives. He wanted to pay forward from those who had influenced his life.

One of his great adventures in life was to become a Peace Corp volunteer. He spent 2 years in Liberia, Africa. It was there that he enjoyed his first taste of teaching. He was able to change and improve lives when he taught science and math to students in a one room school. He also was able to live near and influence his neighbors. He became exceptionally close to a young man, Seque. Ruel mentored, gave a job to, and befriended this young man and many others in his classrooms. He also had a chance to travel and experience life in many West African countries.

When Ruel, returned to SD, he worked as a chemist at EROS, outside of Garretson, SD.  It was there that he met and fell in love with his best friend and love of his life, Shelley Nicolai. They were married on August 9, 1980. Along with getting married, Ruel returned to Augustana to receive his teaching degree. He soon began his new career teaching Freshmen Science, Chemistry, and Physics at Lennox High School, later moved to Canton High School and began living on the Eneboe family farm.

The best and most favorite life goal for Ruel and Shelley was achieved when they become parents to two wonderful children, who they are very proud of, Rikka and Nicholas.

Ruel went on to receive a master’s degree in education from USD and enjoyed a 30+ year teaching career, inspiring countless students along the way.  He was honored by being nominated by two of his former students and received the School of Mines Outstanding High School Science Teacher award.

After life as a high school teacher came to a close for Ruel, grandparenting became his favorite retirement hobby. Ruel and Shelley moved to Orange City, IA to be close to their three beautiful and creative grandchildren, Cadence, Camdyn, and Casey. Orange City also opened the door for Ruel to become a barista/mentor/listening ear at Northwestern College.

Ruel left a mark and made many students and people better with his sense of humor, can-do attitude, and “slow and easy wins the race” attitude. Among those who will miss him are his wife Shelley; his children Rikka, husband Dusty; Nicholas and girlfriend Anna; his grandchildren, Cadence, Camdyn, Casey; his father, Reynold; his siblings Randi, husband Gary; Ron, wife Darla; mother-in-law, Lois;  many cousins, aunts and uncles; and so many friends and neighbors.

Those who are celebrating in heaven with him are his Savior Jesus, his mom Lois, grandparents, and several uncles, aunts, and friends.

The family requests memorials be dedicated to Children Rescue International. This US based IRS 501(c)3 nonprofit operates in Liberia and cares for 32 orphaned children, 140 students, several Pastors, and is in the process of starting a medical clinic in a very remote county not too far from where Ruel served in the Peace Corp. Their office address is: Children Rescue International, 1001 E 17th St, Sioux Falls, SD  57105.

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19 messages have been left

  1. Cheryl Geraets on November 19, 2018 said:

    My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies! Ruel gave me the inspiration to become a teacher with the ease he demonstrated in his teaching. His students all loved him (even when they didn’t want to because of a difficult assignment) but he always made time to assist them in their work. Ruel will be missed as he was loved so much by many. May God wrap you all in his warm embrace as you share the wonderful memories you will always have of Ruel.
    Cheryl Geraets

  2. Matthew RisenHuber on November 19, 2018 said:

    One of the things I am most grateful for is that I have had a good education in science, it’s why I’m going for my PhD. in chemistry right now. That is because of Mr. Eneboe and the joy I had in taking his classes. My deepest condolences could never be enough for his loss, and I am breaking inside a bit that I will not be at the visitation. I look forward to the day that I can shake his hand again in Heaven.

  3. Lollene M Schoeberl on November 19, 2018 said:

    So sorry to learn of Mr. Eneboe’s passing. Please accept our deepest condolences as you prepare to celebrate the life of one so dear. We are ever so thankful for having shared in his life while he taught here in Canton. Our prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.

  4. Jill Buckneberg on November 19, 2018 said:

    My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Mr. Enebo was my favorite teacher. He was always very patient with all of us when we did understand some chemical equations. He was always encouraging us to do our best. He was my neighbor and teacher in Lennox. He will be greatly missed. May peace be with you at this difficult time.

    Jill (Ebright) Buckneberg

  5. Sue J Reagan on November 19, 2018 said:

    Ruel was such a kind & caring man who loved the students at Northwestern, & they loved him dearly! The Hub ladies enjoyed his gentle & considerate manner!! Always a gentleman, he will be dearly missed! May the love & joy he spread be a comfort to the family!!!

  6. Lisa Oines on November 19, 2018 said:

    So sorry for your loss, Reul was a great guy and wonderful teacher. He would also ask how my son Andrew was doing and was truly interested in his students even after they had graduated.
    That shows how much he really cared about his students. He will be greatly missed.
    Lisa OInes

  7. Christina Hoover and Team on November 19, 2018 said:

    Dear Rikka, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during these sad times – sending love and hugs.

  8. Lisa Oines on November 19, 2018 said:

    So sorry for your loss, Ruel was a wonderful man and a great teacher. He would always ask how my son Andrew was doing and took a true interested in his students, even after they had graduated He will be missed.
    Lisa Oines

  9. Laura Heitritter on November 19, 2018 said:

    Oh Eneboe family,
    Ruel was a friend to all and has left a mark on Northwestern College and the community. He will be missed. We grieve with you. May God wrap his arms around all those who miss his presence here on earth.

  10. Verlyss V Jacobson, Lennox on November 19, 2018 said:

    Shelly and family. I taught in middle school in Lennox when Rule did and I went to First English Lutheran. So sorry to hear of Ruel’s death.

  11. Kay Reed on November 20, 2018 said:

    My condolences go to the family, especially his wife Shelly. May God sustain you in this time. Ruel was a great person. He was always kind even when he didn’t agree with you. All 3 of my children had him for Science and Chemistry. He will be missed.

  12. Joyce Rodman on November 20, 2018 said:

    Shelly and family
    I was so sad to see that Ruel passed you have my deepest Sympathy Thought’s and prayer’s Shelly if you need anything please let me know Hug’s and love to you and the children
    Joyce and Don

  13. Scott Page on November 20, 2018 said:

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I was fortunate to have worked with Ruel in Lennox and consider him a friend. He was a wonderful colleague and mentor. God bless you and your family.

    Scott Page

  14. Mike Metivier on November 21, 2018 said:

    I am sorry for your loss. Ruel and I had a very shaky start in Lennox. But by the time I graduated we became a very good friend. He even did my letter of recommendations for me to get into college. He will truly be missed.

  15. Jarett C Bies on November 21, 2018 said:

    I’m sorry to hear about Mr. Eneboe’s passing. He was among my favorite teachers at Lennox, and he always showed compassion and patience for me and many other students. I hope God will bring his family comfort during this time of loss. I’ll remember him fondly.

  16. Jon Matson on November 21, 2018 said:

    Rest in peace cousin Ruel. So sorry for the loss to your family.

  17. Barbara Peterson on November 21, 2018 said:

    Shelly & Eneboe family, I was good friends with Ruel when we both attended Augustana. Our paths crossed again when both our families adopted children from Korea. I am sorry for your loss.

  18. Janet Sorum on November 23, 2018 said:

    My family talked about Mr. Eneboe at our table on Thanksgiving Day. My son Clayton, said that he really learned something when Mr. Eneboe came to sub in his Physical science class. We are all so grateful for his ability to help his students. I also worked with him at Canton High School and will always remember him as a great colleague. He has touched our lives in a very special way. With deepest sympathy at this time. May memories of the times you shared comfort you and bring you peace.

  19. Gordon & Jeannie Knudson on December 6, 2018 said:

    Ron and Darla, we offer our sympathies. Your brother made the world a better place.