Obituary of John Theodore Rummel

John Theodore Rummel, loving husband and father, man of god and a highly respected Lieutenant Colonel of The United States Army National Guard, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2019 at the age of 86. Born on January 22, 1933 to Leslie and Eva Rummel, John grew up in Susanville, California alongside his brother, Robert. As a young boy John worked his way up through the ranks in the Boy Scouts of America and developed a love and appreciation for the outdoors, as a Teenager, John excelled in football, academics, and learned to play multiple musical instruments. With an impressive amount of achievements at such a young age coupled with his hardworking attitude, it was no surprise when, after graduating from Lassen high school, John enlisted in the National Guard and enrolled at Lassen Community College concurrently. While at Lassen Community College, John was a member of Alpha Gamma Sigma, held a seat on the student council, and participated in multiple activities including track, tumbling, football and cadets. Once John graduated with his associate degree, he decided to further his education at Chico State University. While at Chico State University, John continued to play football and participated in many school activities and clubs. His hard work payed off when he earned a bachelor’s degree then a master’s degree in Industrial Arts Education. During this same time period, John maintained his faith in God through personal growth as well as weekly church services. It was during one such church service that John met the love of his life, Bernice Dyer. John and Bernice quickly married and began their life together. As is the plight of anyone in the military, John and Bernice moved around frequently, but their love for each other, for God, and for their children kept them strong. John worked hard to provide for his family and did so with numerous jobs over the years. His main position was as an engineer for The National Guard, but he also worked side jobs in engineering, instruction of computers and technology to both high school students as well as prison inmates, as a youth camp director, and as founder of Golden Oaks Bible College. After retirement, John focused his time on his family where he enjoyed hunting, vacationing with Bernice, road trips with the grandchildren, playing solitaire, genealogy, and admiring and enjoying the companionship of his beautiful wife, Bernice. John was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie Otto Rummel and Eva Payne Rummel; his wife, Bernice Rummel; and his son Richard Rummel. He is survived by his brother, Robert Rummel, his devoted children, Doug Rummel and wife Judy; Laura Buskirk and husband Jesse; and Carla Kopel and husband Craig. John is also survived by three grandchildren who share his love of silly, playful banter: Kyle, Kaitlin, and Kalissa Vargas. The service will take place at Abundant Life Church, 6861 24Th Street, Sacramento, CA on February 08, 2020 at 1pm. Military Honors and reception to be held immediately following at the same location. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in John’s name.