Peter Harry Rubenstein, age 78 of River Falls, WI, passed away September 24, 2020 at the Comforts of Home in River Falls.  Peter was born April 12, 1942 in Newton, MA to Montague and Gertrude (RosenBratt) Rubenstein.  He graduated from Newton High School, with the Class of 1960.  He then attended Michigan State University from 1960-62. He joined the United States Army and completed his service honorably discharged in 1964. He later completed his education with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls.  Peter worked as a salesman in the Entertainment and Furniture Business.  In 1991, Peter moved to River Falls, where he worked as a floor manager for 20 plus years at Erickson’s Grocery Store, into the merge of Econofoods and then Family Fresh.

Peter was a sports enthusiast, with a love for baseball.  He especially loved watching the Michigan State Spartans, the Boston Red Sox, and the New England Patriots.  He proudly volunteered to run a summer conditioning and lifting program for aspiring high school baseball and football players for 15 years. He was a phenomenal and well-respected coach, continually challenging his athletes to do their best and push their limits, while being supportive, knowledgeable, and positive.  His coaching relationship went well beyond the ballfield, lasting a lifetime with many of the athletes he coached, who, with great respect and admiration, surrounded him with caring on his final days.

Peter is survived by his brothers, Robert Rubenstein of CA and Fred Rubenstein of Boston, MA; many nieces and nephews; his family-at-heart, Karen and Travis (Annah) Saumer; 3 beloved Godchildren, Alex, Logan and Mason Saumer.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Rubenstein, Lanny Saumer; and his parents, Montague and Gertrude Rubenstein.

A Memorial Service honoring Peter’s Life will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at Luther Memorial Church, 420 S 4th St., River Falls, with Pastor Scott Jensen officiating. With Covid restrictions in place, a walk through visitation will be available from 10:00am – 11:00am,  followed by a private service for friends and family. Military honors provided by the River Falls Fletcher-Pechacek American Legion Post 121 will conclude the service.

Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of River Falls (715) 425-5644.  www.oconnellfuneralservices.com