Rex and Judy Raub of Dysart accept their 2025 Union Hall of Fame plaque from activities director Michael Bruns in front of a packed gymnasium on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in La Porte City. The Raubs were inducted as 2025’s Friends of Union High School. PHOTO BY REBECCA LYN DAVIS

LA PORTE CITY – A dedicated and beloved couple was recently inducted into the Union High School Hall of Fame – Rex and Judy Raub of Dysart.

The Raubs were honored in front of an overflow crowd during the Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, Union v. Gladbrook-Reinbeck basketball games. Per the Union Booster Club, the couple have been supporters of Union for decades and in many different areas. They were officially inducted as 2025 Friends of Union High School.

Before retiring in 2008, Rex worked as the P.E. teacher at Dysart-Geneseo Elementary School. He was also the high school golf coach for 33 years and coached both wrestling and middle school girls basketball for 20 years. Along with the late Rich Behrens, Rex originated teaching pickleball in the Dysart schools.

Judy worked as school secretary for a quarter century before retiring in 2016, after which she substitute taught for one year. Like her husband, Judy was also a coach, including middle school basketball for 30 years, middle school volleyball for 26 years, middle school track for five years, and high school volleyball for two years. Along with LuAnn Hennings, Judy took high school girls basketball players to summer tournaments.

As a team, the Raubs have been perhaps even more formidable. Together they started the Little Joe Knight basketball program for girls; the t-ball program for both boys and girls; and the annual 3-on-3 basketball tournaments held as part of Dysart’s annual 4th of July celebration. During a 15-year span, they hosted countless girls basketball tournaments for grades 4-6.

PHOTO BY REBECCA LYN DAVIS

The Raubs have always been reliable in answering the call for help, including working concessions, ticket-taking, and open gym supervision. They have also volunteered as bus chaperones for band trips, helped with many proms, and stepped up as referees – Rex as a basketball referee and Judy as a volleyball referee. Both have also assisted with elementary and middle school wrestling meets.

Today, Rex continues to drive bus for school activities, while Judy keeps the book for away basketball games – 28 years and counting!

During their induction ceremony on Jan. 9, the following remarks were made on the Raubs’ behalf as they were presented with their plaque.

“Rex and Judy want to share their pride of the Union Community School District and are thankful that their children were able to contribute and be a part of it. They didn’t do any of this alone as there were many Union parents that helped them along the way. They would like to share many thanks to the supporters of Union, and they truly believe it has been an honor to be a part of the Union Community School District and the Union Family.”

CONGRATULATIONS, Rex and Judy!

Rex and Judy Raub pictured on Jan. 9, 2026, alongside their extended family following their induction ceremony as members of the Union Hall of Fame Class of 2025. PHOTO BY REBECCA LYN DAVIS

Rex and Judy Raub pictured with their 2025 Union Hall of Fame plaque on Jan. 9, 2026, in La Porte City. PHOTO BY REBECCA LYN DAVIS