Dr. Lawrence Rubel, 86, Huntingburg

Dr. Lawrence Rubel died peacefully in his sleep on February 5, 2023, after a long illness. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Penny Rubel; his son, Richard Rubel, his daughter-in-law, Bonnie Rubel; his sisters, Julie Deutsch and Jill Rubel; and his grandchildren, Diana and Ryan Rubel.

Lawrence grew up in Chicago and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with his BS degree and later his MD from the University of Illinois. During his internship at the Naval Hospital in Newport, RI, Dr. Rubel became fascinated with pathology. This choice served him well throughout a career spanning five decades. Highlights included several posts in the Navy, teaching at Chicago Medical School, Uniformed Services University of Medical Sciences, George Washington University, Great Lakes Naval Training Center, and the Veteran’s Administration; and lengthy stints at Woodlawn Hospital, the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, and Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center.

One of his chief pursuits was learning. Aside from teaching, Dr. Rubel wrote scientific publications in his field and delivered presentations to medical associations in Florida, Colorado, and California. He also enjoyed striking up conversations about the latest research in the medical field and technology. Diana, a Physician Associate, recalls that during their weekly calls she would tell her grandfather what she learned that week. “He would always ask questions and compare it to how it was when he learned it, and we would both marvel at the crazy advancements science and medicine had made so quickly.” His wife reported how much he loved discussing robotics with grandson Ryan, though “he was kind of dumbfounded, no clue what Ryan was talking about.” In retirement, Lawrence kept up with the latest research in medical journals.

Friends and family recall Lawrence’s fondness for jogging. Bonnie recalled how her father-in-law would always get up early to run and then talk about things he saw while jogging near their house. Ryan remembered his grandfather would always pick up coins while he was jogging. “He brought me some of the ones he found interesting, like one from Bermuda.” Neighbors in Rochester, Ind., knew their pathologist neighbor by sight from his daily jaunts along local streets. In later years, Huntingburg locals remembered Lawrence and his wife’s frequent long walks with their pets.

Among his many interests, Lawrence was also a patron of the arts. He loved music, especially Brahms, opera, and show tunes, and encouraged his family to explore their musical gifts. Theatre was another passion of Lawrence’s. Each year he trekked to New York City to see a Broadway show and sponsored several Broadway and off-Broadway productions.

He was a diehard rail fan and loved riding trains of all types. He frequently visited train and trolley museums with his extended family, and his 70th birthday was celebrated aboard a METRA railcar.

The family will hold a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011 in Lawrence’s name.