Reuben Watlov

Reuben (Wat) E. Watlov, age 88, of Brainerd, went home to be with his Lord on the morning of November 10, 2011. He was surrounded by love from his wife of 66 years, Gladys, and his family.

Wat was born March 31, 1923, in Underwood, MN to Alvin and Mabel Watlov. He was confirmed in Sverdrup Lutheran Church in Underwood, MN in 1937 and baptized in Detroit Lakes, MN in 1950.

T/Sgt Reuben E. Watlov served as a US Marine during World War II from May 12, 1942 to November 1, 1945. He was awarded 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 8 Air Medals for 51 missions in the Marshall & Gilbert Islands in the Central Pacific. Wat died on the birthday of the US Marine Corp, which began on Nov. 10, 1775. Wat met his future wife, Gladys I. Pippin at the First Baptist Church in Sanford, Florida while stationed there for air flight training. The couple was united in marriage on April 9, 1945, after Wat returned from his tour of duty overseas.

Wat graduated from the University of MN on March 17, 1949 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He was a car dealer and the owner of Westside Volkswagen and Baldwin Chevrolet in the Twin Cities. Prior to retirement Wat and Gladys moved to the Brainerd area to a beautiful home on the Gull River. Wat was very active in, and supportive of, the churches he attended throughout the years. He loved sharing God's word and praying for others.

Wat's family's sadness is only for their own loss of time with Wat on this earth. They find strength and faith in Jesus and cling to his promises. "When we all get to heaven, What a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus, We'll sing and shout the victory!"

Wat is survived by his wife: Gladys P. Watlov; four children: Robert (JoEllen) Watlov of Rogers, Diane Watlov Collins of Dallas, Texas, Sue Watlov Phillips of Fridley, Joanne (Paul) Boblett of Outing; 8 grandchildren: Paul W. (Christina) Collins III, Jessica (Jon) Barian, Erica Mathisen, Sabrina (Robbie Olsen) Watlov, Joey Siusta, Faith Boblett, Kendra Boblett, Trevor Boblett; 3 great-grandchildren: Ally Barian, Amanda Barian, Reece Watlov Olsen.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Alvin and Mabel Watlov; and two brothers: Joslyn Watlov and Maynard Watlov.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, November 17, 2011 at the Kline Funeral Home in Pequot Lakes, MN. A Celebration of Wat's Life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 18, 2011 at the Pequot Lakes Baptist Church, with Pastor Mark Whittemore officiating. A private internment will be held at Camp Ripley with full military honors.

Memorials are preferred to Pequot Lakes Baptist Church or the donor's choice.