Reuben Lehtola

Reuben Lehtola, 87, of Merrifield, MN passed away Thursday, March 31, 2016 at Essentia-St. Joe's Hospital in Brainerd, MN. Services for Reuben will be at 11:00AM, Saturday, April 9, 2016 at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN, with Pastor Erika Nilsen officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation one hour prior to services. Interment will be at the National Cemetery in French Lake.

Reuben was born January 13, 1929 in Cokato, MN to Matt and Emma (Kurtakko) Lehtola. He joined the US Marine Corp in 1951 and served during the Korean Conflict. Reuben came back and ran the family farm in Cokato. He was a self-employed painter and he also worked for the State Hospital in Moose Lake and Brainerd until retirement. He enjoyed reading, camping, canoeing, fishing and he loved RVing with his honey.

Reuben is survived by his children, David (Rebecca) Lehtola of Aitkin, MN, Michelle (Troy) Willi of Ellsworth, WI, Steven (Linda) Lehtola of Hastings, MN, Renee (James) Blocker of Merrifield, MN, Kevin Bauer of Hastings, MN; grandchildren, Jenna, Alexander, Carly, Mitchell, Natasha, Samantha, Marko and Megi; sister in laws, Mardis (Jerry) Gilmer, Joan (Darrell) Heuer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Matt and Emma Lehtola; his wife, Jeanette; nine brothers and sisters, Henry, Ernest, Wayne, Karl, Donald, Sylvia, Martha, Ellen and Esther. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN.