Robert John Rehwaldt II

With great sorrow, we announce the death of Robert John Rehwaldt II on June 21st, 2013, in Atlanta, Georgia. Rob was a man of many roles and responsibilities who could certainly be described as a Renaissance man. His travels in service to the military and Delta Air Lines allowed him to spread his joy and friendliness around the globe. He was born an eldest son to Bob and Miriam Rehwaldt in El Paso, Texas, on July 21st, 1956. The son of a southern mother and Wisconsin Air Force pilot, Rob learned to love grits, lima beans, and service to his country while traversing the globe from as far as Washington D.C. to Okinawa, Japan. Rob had the pleasure of teasing and guiding his siblings Eric, Frank, Dave, Laura, Dan, and Chris, a role he treasured and continued his entire life, making the time to attend milestones in each of their lives and to offer comfort during struggles. He discovered his lifelong love of running at Mascoutah High School through participation in track and cross-country. Upon high school graduation in 1974, he attended the United States Air Force Academy as an honored member of the Roadrunners and "Bad Company." Here, he first pursued his life's passion: flying. He graduated in 1978 and married Paula Field in 1980, and they moved to Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas. They started their family, which eventually grew to three children, Travis, Cassidy and Amy. Rob began his career in the sky flying B-52 bombers for the 337th Bomb Squadron. Next, Rob flew F-15s with the 27th Fighter Squadron of the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. After completion of active duty service in the Air Force, Rob continued to serve his country in the Air National Guard. He served as Fighter Duty Officer in the 111th ASOC. For many years, he was the beloved leader and commander of the 116th ASOS. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2006. Following his time spent in the Air Force, Rob and Paula moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he began his twenty-five year career as a commercial pilot for Delta Air Lines. He eventually became an international captain and particularly enjoyed flights to Africa and Asia. Rob truly loved his time spent in the sky. Rob moved to Vancouver, Washington, in 1989 and finally found his home. In 2004, he married Karen Gilden, and three years later, twins Tori and Dena arrived. He raised his five children in a house that he loved and lived in for twenty years while looking across a pine-filled valley to the Cascade Mountains. Long runs across the valley led to the completion of several marathons. Rob spent over half of his life in the role of father, a role in which he particularly excelled. Years of "wee-flips," soccer games, golf lessons, long-winded lectures, loud morning renditions of the "school days" song, late night viewings of the Wizard of Oz, mini-van drives across Washington with the windows down and classic rock blaring, boogie boarding on the Pacific Coast until we were numb with cold, trips to the barber for trims and treats, and nights playing Risk and Acquire all combined to form three adult children who loved their friend and father very much and two little girls who will miss their Papa terribly. Although he was taken too soon, we say goodbye to Rob knowing his life was full and spent making the world a better place. His kind words, sense of humor, and friendly nature touched many lives across the globe, especially the lives of his five children and family. Someday, we will follow you down the Yellow Brick Road, Rob, and join you somewhere over the rainbow. A viewing will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens on July 1st from 10:00 am 9:00 pm. Services will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens on July 2nd at 10:00 am and at Willamette National Cemetery at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Rob's name to the Minuteman Emergency Assistance Fund.

Robert John Rehwaldt II

July 21, 1956 - June 21, 2013