Our dad, Edward J. Watruba joined the "TRUE LOVE" of his life on Monday evening, May 18, 2009. Dad was born on May 12, 1924 to the late John and Emma (Hoffman) Watruba. Dad was proud of his Bohemian heritage. Due to the untimely passing of his mom at a young age, dad was put in an orphanage which he ran away from and began his life as a hobo. Dad enjoyed "riding the rails" meeting new people along the way and seeing and earning his way through the beautiful country. One place he especially enjoyed was South Dakota of which he made his home for many years before joining the United States Marine Corp in 1942. Dad along with his fellow Marines fought his way to Japan. Dad was among the many troops that lined the runway on the Island of Tinian when the Enola Gay lifted off for Japan. He vividly remembered the black glove that Col. Tibbets was wearing as he saluted the troops while taking off. Dad later learned that the plane's payload was a bomb named "Little Boy" and its destination was Hiroshima. He along with fellow Marines were the first troops that entered Nagasaki after the bombing. After the war, Dad stayed in Japan for two years for the disarming of that country. He was given the opportunity to leave Japan on the first plane out after the bomb, but chose not to go. He said "I fought so damn hard to get there, I wanted to see what it was like". Upon returning to the United States, Dad once again began "riding the rails". The hobo days were over the day he met the "TRUE LOVE" of his life, Janice Domke. They married on October 20, 1954. Together they raised four wonderful children. Dad worked for Proctor and Gamble for 33 years, retiring in 1988. After Mom's passing in 1995, Dad moved to their cabin in Mountain, which he then made his home. Dad enjoyed the array of wildlife that would come on to his property, which was surrounded by the Nicolet National Forest. It was not unusual to see Dad relaxing in the lawn chair with black bears laying in the driveway and yard. He was known to many as the "BEAR MAN" . He had a wonderful sense of humor, and a joke or story for every one he met. We were very blessed to have such a wonderful father. He will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived and lovingly remembered by his four children, Bruce (Kathy) Watruba, and Bruces's 2 sons, Joshua and Travis, Rhonda (Roy) De Ruyter and their 3 children, Nicole (Jamie) Van Ooyen, Holly De Ruyter and Clint De Ruyter, Robert (Jodi) Watruba and their two daughters, Anissa (Brian) Hamilton and Chasity (Justin) Barber, Barbara Kay Watruba her two sons, Brandon and Justin. His great-grandchildren, R.J., B.J., Emma, Austin, Nathaniel, Kayli, and baby to be, many nieces and nephews. He is further survived by his brother, James (Grace) Watruba, Bradenton, FL, one sister, Tracy Anderson, Tomahawk, WI, brothers-in-law, Fred "Hank" Domke, Keith (Pam) Domke, Dan (Shelly) Domke, Jeff (Bonnie) Domke and Gene Farr, sisters-in-law, Sue (Rich) West, Karon Domke and Lore Domke. In addition, his South Dakota family, Tim and Deb De Witt and Nellie Krogmann. He was preceded in death by his "TRUE LOVE" Janice, his parents, mother and father-in-law, Fred, Sr. and Mary Domke, brothers-in-law, Hans Anderson, Allen Domke, Jim Domke. Sisters-in-law, Sharon Farr and Pearl Domke. Friends and family may call at RYAN FUNERAL HOME 305 North Tenth Street De Pere from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm on Friday May 22, 2009. Service of Remembrance will be held at 4:00 pm on Friday. Burial to follow in Lawrence Cemetery, with Full Military Honors provided by Wabeno VFW. Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the Watruba family. Thank you to the many wonderful "Guardian Angels" and "Roger and Mike" who have all helped care for DAD during his stay at the Jack and Engrid Meng Residence at Unity Hospice. We are sure they will always remember Dad for his famous quotes. "Don't forget to turn the lights off." "Thank you". "Don't forget to come back". Also special thanks to Stacie at Bellin (we remembered you). Special thanks for all the visitors, cards, letters and prayers. Per Dad's request, casual dress and no flowers please. Thank you.