Major Cai Rubin

April 16, 1936 ~
April 19, 2024

Major Cai Evert Rubin, age 88, of Grand Rapids, went to be with the Lord on Friday, April 19, 2024. Cai and his wife faithfully served as ministers in the Salvation Army for 44 years. He was a member of the Swedish-American Heritage Society of West Michigan, where he used his musical talent on the accordion at many events. Cai was also the creator and former host of the Scandinavian Gospel Hour on a Chicago radio station. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Irene Rubin. Cai will be dearly missed by his children and grandchildren, Kent and Kelli Rubin (Payton, Emma), Cairena and Brian Huttenga (Benjamin and Allison, Quin, Reagan); great-grandson, Easton; nephew, Anders and Ann Rubin. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 27, at 11 a.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW with Commissioner Barry Swanson officiating. The burial will take place at Grandville Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Friday, April 26, from 6-9 p.m. and on Saturday from 9-10:45 a.m. at the funeral home.

Visitation: Friday, April 26 | 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Visitation
Friday, April 26
6:00pm - 9:00pm

MKD - Grandville
4145 Chicago Dr. SW
Grandville, MI 49418

Phone: (616) 534-8656

Visitation: Saturday, April 27 | 9:00am - 11:00am

Visitation
Saturday, April 27
9:00am - 11:00am

MKD - Grandville
4145 Chicago Dr. SW
Grandville, MI 49418

Phone: (616) 534-8656

Funeral Service: Saturday, April 27 | 11:00am

Funeral Service
Saturday, April 27
11:00am

MKD - Grandville
4145 Chicago Dr. SW
Grandville, MI 49418

Phone: (616) 534-8656

Leave Your Tribute Message

April 28, 2024

To be in his presence was to be welcomed into joy, and this is such a rare and holy invitation. Forever grateful for his loving kindness, gentle shepherding, devotion to his beloved Irene, and one-off humor. We were always laughing. (Just like all of my memories my whole life through, with his beautiful Cairena.) Heaven is sweeter now.

- Michele

April 25, 2024

When I think of my Farfar (grandfather), Cai, I am flooded with endless memories and an immense sense of warmth and unconditional love. Sometimes when he would visit us, we would play music together with myself on the piano and Farfar on his beloved accordion. Now more than ever, I feel his presence when I pick up a musical instrument. His legacy lives on in so many ways throughout his family and the many people whose lives he touched. He has taught us all so much about how to live fully, how to love without bounds, how to be kind, and of course, how to light up a room with lightheartedness and goofiness. I will greatly miss his presence on this Earth, but I know he will always be watching over us. He is with my Mormor (grandmother) and the many other people and animals he held close to his heart who have passed on. I love you forever, Farfar. Love, your Grandchild, Emma

- Emma Joy Rubin

April 25, 2024

The Rubins, in their retirement, attended The Salvation Army church regularly. Their encouragement and Cai's accordion talent were real blessings to us. They were very people-friendly people.

- Albert & Linda Jansen

April 24, 2024

I enjoyed serving with Cai on the board of directors for the Swedish American Heritage Society. He was a very kind man and I enjoyed our occasional lunches together.

- Ingrid Nelson

April 24, 2024

We feel blessed to have had the Godly influence of Cai, Irene and family. Great people who loved and served our Lord by serving his people. We need more like them to keep our country on the right track . The America that we were raised in is not the America that we are living in. My how things have changed. But our love for Christ has not waned. May you feel the warmth of God's Spirit and the comfort of family and friends during this time of bereavement. Forever Friends!

- Eric & Melody Hopkins

April 22, 2024

Cairena, Kent, and all of the family of Cai - I was so blessed to care for your Dad for 4 years and I will very much treasure those memories and hold Cai close in my heart. He was truly the sweetest, kindest soul . He will be missed beyond measure. With much love, Stacy

- Stacy DeGrote