Reuben was born in Germantown, WI on May 29, 1923, the son of the late Arthur and Esther (Fraederich) Schaetzel.  After meeting Betty Lee at a harvest dance, he married her on October 18, 1947.  She preceded him in death in 2007.

Reuben was proud to have served in the United States Army during World War II, in General George S. Patton’s 3rd Army, 701st Tank Battalion.  As a tank driver, he helped to liberate the town of Pilsen, Czechoslovakia, and was able to return to Pilsen twice; recently, to celebrate and be honored as part of their yearly Liberation Festival.  He also participated in an honor flight to Washington, D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial.

Reuben was well known for selling cars.  First with Martz Chevrolet in Menomonee Falls, then later with Buss Chevrolet in Shawano.  In May, 2018, Reuben celebrated his “semi-retirement” at Buss after 27 years.  His reputation was that he could sell a car to anyone, even from his hospital bed!  One of his more notable sales was to George Patton “Pat” Waters, grandson of the famous general under whom Reuben served in the war.