Ruben Pastian, age 85, of Huron, SD, died Monday, March 17, 2008, at the Violet Tschetter Memorial Home.

Ruben Pastian was born on March 14, 1923, to Henry and Mollie (Faatz) Pastian in Burke, SD, Gregory County. He attended school through the 8th grade and worked on the family farm until the time of his marriage.

Following his first marriage to Opla Luella Brandt, on 10 Feb 1945 in Winner SD, the couple owned and operated a farm south of Colome, SD; a farm near Ainsworth, NE; and a farm in rural Long Pine, NE.

On September 5, 1959, Ruben married Helen Carlson in Huron. The couple moved to a farm east of Huron where they lived until December 28, 1997, when they moved into Huron, selling the farm in early 1998.

In 1950 Ruben became a licensed electrician, working for Lothrop's Electric in Huron (later named Muth Electric), retiring on September 5, 1985. On January 15, 2004, Ruben became a resident of the Violet Tschetter Memorial Home.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church. He enjoyed his farm and the cattle, horses, CB radio, motorcycles, snowmobiles, traveling, and camping.

He is survived by 3 daughters, Linda (Robert) Stanfill of Kansas City, MO, Kathy (Morgan) Welles, and Lou Ann Walker Collings of Stillwater, OK; 2 sons, Dennis (Deloris) Houck of Huron, and Ruben (Deb) Pastian, Jr.; ex-daughter-in-law, Jean (Lloyd Timperley) Pastian of Huron; 7 grandchildren, Brenda (Colin) Petty, Rhonda (Bill) Scott, Dan Houck, David Houck, Susan (Matt) Howell, Stephanie Timperley, and Cathy Jean (Mike) Maunu; 6 great grandchildren, Jessika Scott, Kaitlyn Scott, Jeff Welles, Justin Walker, Austin Maunu, and Alexander Maunu; 3 sisters, Blanche, Florence, and Viola.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Helen; 9 siblings, Harry, Bob, Vera, Floyd, Ivan, Raymond, Agnes, Irene, and Elizabeth.

His funeral service will be Thursday, March 20, at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Richard Rinearson officiating. Burial will be at Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Arrangements by Welter Funeral Home.