Wayne Watkins

Wayne William Watkins was born June 21, 1928 in Ottertail County at home to Claude and Clara (West) Watkins. Wayne grew up on a farm, went to a country school and then to Bertha school, graduating in 1946.

On November 25, 1950 Wayne was united in marriage to Merle Catherine Mack in Assembly of God Church in Verndale, MN. They then moved to Des Moines, IA. Wayne worked as a mechanic for a trucking company. In 1961, they moved to Berwyn, IL and Wayne worked as a foreman. In 1985, their daughter Betty passed away after having brain surgery. Wayne retired in 1990. With his wife, he went to Africa for a couple of months and worked for a missionary. In November of 2007, their son William “Bill” passed away with a massive heart attack. They moved from Berwyn, IL back to Verndale, MN to spend their retirement together. On March 23, 2011, his wife Merle Catherine Watkins passed away.

On August 28, 2012 Wayne was united in marriage with Betty Reul. Together they enjoyed traveling to Florida for the winters and spending the remainder of their time in Verndale, MN. Wayne loved spending time with all family, church, fishing, golfing, playing cards, and games.

Wayne entered eternal rest on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at Tri-County Hospital in Wadena, at 90 years of age. Preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Merle Mack; daughter Betty Watkins; and son William ‘Bill’ Watkins.

Wayne is survived by his devoted wife, Betty; daughter-in-law, Gwendolyn Watkins of Oak Park, IL; grandchildren: Patrick (Meredith) Watkins of Berwyn, IL; Christine (Mike) Sanzo of Tinley Park, IL; Kathryn Watkins of Oak Park, IL; 3 great-grandchildren: Reaghan, William and Cora; sister: Florreta Bronko, of Minneapolis, MN; many other relatives and a host of friends.

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