Ron Rubick’s wife, Jo-Nell Rubick, was a 1961 graduate of Manistique High School.
Jo-Nell Rubick tragically passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 82, under the care of Sharon S. Richardson Hospice.
However, the cause of death has not been revealed yet.
As per the reports, Rubick’s life will be celebrated on Friday, July 25, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Silver Creek Fieldhouse, 3001 S. 10th St., Manitowoc, WI.
Manitowoc Ships Football took to their official Facebook handle and mourned the death of Rubick. They wrote,
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jo-Nell Rubick, a beloved member of our football family. As the wife of legendary Coach Ron Rubick, whose legacy lives on through the name of our field, she continued to be one of our most loyal supporters – offering encouragement, kind words, and unwavering love for Ships Football over the years.
Manitowoc Ships Football
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse graduate John Pietenpol took to the comment section and offered his heartfelt condolences by stating,
The Rubick’s were the best! Jo-Nell was the ultimate coach’s wife. Imagine walking down the hill from your school, across the practice field, and into the backyard of your football coach. And then imagine being welcomed inside by Jo-Nell, any day of the week, at any time of the day. That was special, and something I wish every HS athlete in America could experience like all of Coach Rubick’s players experienced.
John Pietenpol
Other close ones and relatives have also mourned the tragic death of Jo-Nell Rubick. Rest in Heaven, Jo-Nell Rubick.
Ron Rubick And Jo-Nell Rubick Were Married For Over 44 Years
Ron Rubick married his high school sweetheart, Jo-Nell Rubick, on August 22, 1964, at St. Francis de Sales Church in Manistique after dating for several years.
Jo-Nell was born on October 9, 1942, in Escanaba, MI, to her father, Joseph, and her mother, Erma Davis.
She grew up in Manistique, MI, and graduated from Manistique High School in 1961.
Later, she attended Northern Michigan University and received a nursing degree in 1963.
Jo-Nell served as a nurse for many years, followed by a career in the Manitowoc School District as a teacher assistant and home visitor.
Sadly, Jo-Nell and Ron’s married life ended after 44 years following the tragic death of Ron on January 12, 2009.
Even after Ron’s death, Jo-Nell was an avid supporter of the Lincoln football program.
Ron Rubick And Jo-Nell Rubick Were Blessed With Two Children
Late Manitowoc Lincoln football coach Ron Rubick and his wife, Jo-Nell Rubick, had one daughter, Becky, and one son, Robert “B.J.” Rubick.
According to the reports, Becky resides in White Lake, WI, with her husband, Bill Frasch, and their two children, Jacob and Julia Frasch.
Julia tied the knot with Jelani Cooper on August 10, 2024.
Becky has avoided the media spotlight, so little is known about her personal life.
Currently, she is mourning the tragic death of her mother, Jo-Nell Rubick.
On the other hand, Ron’s son, Robert, was born on October 19, 1965, in St. Ignace, Michigan, and graduated with the class of 1984 from Lincoln High School.
He remained a sports fan throughout his adult years, taking pride in Wisconsin teams, and loved watching games with family and friends.
Tragically, Robert passed away at his home on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at 55.
Cremation was held at All-Care Cremation Center, and a private family service was held.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Ronald R. Rubick, 67, was born on November 11, 1941, in Manistique, Michigan, to his father, Sylvester, and his mother, Florence Rubick.
- While in high school, Ron excelled in all athletics, especially football, using his talent as a running back to lead the Manistique High School Football teams of 1958 and 1959 to become the Great Lakes Conference Champions.
- Known as “The Manistique Missile,” Ron set numerous Upper Peninsula high school records and was voted to the All-Star Senior Team.
- Ron’s football jersey #33 was permanently retired in 1960 and hangs in the main corridor of Manistique High School.
