Reuben Samani, 95, passed away on Sunday, November 22, 2015 in his home with friends by his side. He was born in Baku Azerbaijan, Russia on July 18th, 1920 and was raised by his parents Salmon and Luba Lea (Koklyn) Samani.
Reuben went on to get his Law degree in Tehran, Iran and then moved to the United States where he became a naturalized citizen. He studied Political Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he received his Master’s degree.
After this, Reuben decided to continue his education by completing the prerequisites for Medical School and enrolled in the UNL College of Medicine where he became Family Practice doctor. During his time at UNL he met his wife of 61 years, Margaret (Johnson) Samani. Reuben and Margaret were married on August 9th, 1954 while they were both attending UNL. Once he graduated from UNL he started his Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at UNMC in Omaha. He finished his Residency in 1960.
Eventually Reuben and Margaret moved to Sioux Center, Iowa where Reuben built his own family practice and treated his patients until the age of 90. Over the course of working there Reuben took care of three generations of families.
During his later years, Reuben enjoyed spending time with his friends, playing chess and backgammon with his grandchildren, reading philosophy, watching the news and staying involved with his book club
Reuben is survived by his wife, Margaret; his sister, Rosie (Ebraham) Farahi of Reno, Nevada; his sons: Dr. David (Lynette) Samani of Lincoln and their children Shea (Connor) Smith, Ben, Bryan and Bree; Dr. Daniel (Christina) Samani of Falls City, and Dr. John (Miriam) Samani of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and their children Jasmine, Marisa, Alexa, and John Jr.; his daughter Julie (Steve) Ourada and her children Joey Parks, Jenny (Eddie) Villegas and their daughters Elayna and Alexandra, and Jason Parks.
Reuben’s funeral service will be held at Wyuka Funeral Home Chapel, 3600 O St. Lincoln, Nebraska on Wednesday at 3 p.m. Burial to follow in Wyuka Cemetery. A memorial service will be held in Sioux Center, Iowa at a future date.
Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be given to the family for later designation.
Reuben will be greatly missed!
He was my friend and my doctor.
It was always a great pleasure to talk to such a beautiful person!
I am so sorry your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
My deepest sympathy is extended to Margaret & family. Reuben has been a part of my life for several years. I did accounting for him for many years. He so enjoyed my chicken soup. He had a special sense of humor. He was my friend. I really wanted to come to the service today, and meet the family. But just did not work out for me, with the holiday tomorrow. Reuben will be missed.
I am so sorry for your loss. I didnt know Reuben but he raised some great kids.
My sympathy to the Samani family. Dr Samani was our family Dr for many years. He was a wise and caring person not only in his office but wherever we would meet him. I can still picture him walking to work everyday! He touched many lives and we still enjoy memories of things he did or said and the way he truly cared about his patients.
Our sympathy to you Margaret,and family,Dr. Samani was our family Doctor every since he started his family practice in Sioux Center.
He was a very wise and caring and always very concerned for his patients well being,even if it was after clinic hours.He was more than just our Doctor but also our family friend.
He will be missed.
I saw him for a few hours in my life, he was SMART SMART and SMART.
He was my uncle and I hope he rest in peace.
Reuben was my uncle. I miss him so very much. He was a wonderful, caring person who was misunderstood by many. He said it as he understood it and he offended some by being truthful. I always appreciated his honesty and he I learned many good lessons from him. He had a difficult life, but overcame and helped so many of his patients and family members. In my last conversation with him he jokingly said that he is planning to celebrate his 100th birthday. He also told me he loved me very much. Every year around Christmas time I would send him a care package with his favorite Persian goodies and he so appreciated it. My dear Reuben, you will always be very special to me. Love always,