Reuben William Horstmann

Reuben William Horstmann

October 29, 1941 - August 26, 2026

Obituary

MADISON - Reuben W. Horstmann, age 84, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. He was born on October 29, 1941, in Rock Springs, Wis., the son of Henry and Anna (Ribbke) Horstmann.


Reuben graduated from Reedsburg Webb High School with the class of 1959. On April 22, 1967, he was united in marriage to Sharon Webb Horstmann in North Freedom. Reuben proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for four years. He was stationed in Germany and deeply enjoyed his time in the service.


Following his military service, Reuben worked as a dedicated service technician for Ameritech until his retirement. An avid sports enthusiast, he loved golfing with his friends and family, often traveling to experience different courses. In his younger years, he gave back to his community by coaching youth baseball and football programs in Cottage Grove and Monona. Reuben took great pride in staying active, working around the house, and meticulously tending to his yard. Most of all, he cherished time spent with his family. He was his grandchildren's biggest fan and loved attending Nicholas and Alexander's sporting events, orchestra, and choir concerts.


Reuben is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Sharon; daughter, Kristin (Craig) Oehrlein; son, Ryan Horstmann; grandsons, Nicholas Oehrlein and Alexander Oehrlein; siblings, Henry (Gloria) Horstmann, Lila Shimniok, and Loretta (Jerry) Henry; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Syvilla Rego, Anita Schepp, Carl Horstmann, Jeanette Ninnemann, Herman Horstmann, Roy Horstmann, Ellen Smallwood and Glenda Horstmann.


A funeral service will be held at New Life Church, 7564 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. A luncheon will be served at the church immediately following the service.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420


Events

04
Visitation
Fri Sep 4, 2026 @ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
New Life Church (Madison) • 7564 Cottage Grove Rd, Madison, WI 53718
04
Funeral Service
Fri Sep 4, 2026 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
New Life Church (Madison) • 7564 Cottage Grove Rd, Madison, WI 53718
04
Military Honors
Fri Sep 4, 2026 @ 12:00 PM - 12:15 PM CDT
New Life Church (Madison) • 7564 Cottage Grove Rd, Madison, WI 53718
04
Luncheon After Service
Fri Sep 4, 2026 @ 12:15 PM - 2:15 PM CDT
New Life Church (Madison) • 7564 Cottage Grove Rd, Madison, WI 53718
No photos of Reuben have been shared yet.
AH
A Memorial Tree was planted for Reuben W. Horstmann
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Madison
CB
Calvin Bruce
Other •
Sorry to read of Reuben's death. It was always an honor to be his physician. Best wishes to all your family in this hard and sad moment. May he live on in the good memories you have of your time together. Cal Bruce
TF
The Sickles Family
Other •
Our deepest condolences from the Sickles Family. May the life given from this tree give you comfort that Rueben will always be with you. God Bless!
BD
B.T. , Todd and Dixie.
Other •
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. He will be missed..we love you Sharon and may God Bless..
TT
Therese Traut
Other •
Sharon, it has been a very long time since I worked with you at Letters & Science Dean's Offices. I hope you are doing well and I am very sorry you've lost Reuben.

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