Vilas Lee Hanson, 84 of Arcadia passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at Grandview Care Center, Blair, WI.
He was born to Theodore E. and Lillian (Boleng) Hanson, the seventh of eighth children, on September 30, 1933 in Blair, WI.
The very best way to describe Vilas is as a true patriot. He proudly served in the United States Air Force and was based at Lackland AFB, TX, Johnson Island, HI and Scott Field, IL.
His service is highlighted in the Novel "America's Youngest Warriors" recognizing his underage enlistment at the tender age of 14.
He was honored having gone to Washington D.C. on a military freedom flight just two weeks before entering the care center in October of 2015.
Vilas served twice as Commander of the American Legion Post 17. It was a real privilege for him to attend military funerals serving as honor guard.
In 1952, following military discharge, he began a career at A.G. Cooperatives and Golden Plump that lasted 36 years. In 1990 he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Vilas was both president and board member on the Arcadia City Council over 20 years. He was instrumental in the purchase of a 52-acre park and was thrilled with an area known as "The Soldiers Walk" where veterans of all US wars received recognition. He served Trempealeau County on the Parks Board and was a charter member of the Arcadia Credit Union.
Holy Family Catholic Church was his church home where he was a staunch advocate of the Catholic School systems.
Vilas was active in the Knights of Columbus as Grand Knight 3rd degree and 4th degree District Deputy.
The actions of a disciplined but tenderhearted man were clearly evident as he lived his faith. Despite the accomplishments received, he would be the first to say his greatest award was raising his children and seeing them become productive adults.
At 10am on June 21, 1955 he married the love his life Joan (Motszko). They enjoyed a 62-year marriage together sharing the trials and joys life brought them.
Community and church activities, travel and spoiling grandchildren were but a few of their favorite retirement pastimes. Vilas knew no strangers and was often teased by his children that he could talk to anyone anytime.
Vilas is survived by his wife Joan, children, Daniel Motszko of Elk Mound, WI, Jay Hanson (Kim) of Rogers, AR, Lorelei Almand of Grapevine, TX and Lois Rowe of Rochester, MN. Two sisters, Grace Cooper and Clarice Edenfield of Kirkland, WA, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, three brothers and precious daughter-in-law Cindy Motszko.
Visitation will be held at Wozney-Killian Funeral Home in Arcadia on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 from 5:00pm-7:00pm.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at Holy Family Catholic Church, Arcadia, WI at 11:00AM on Thursday, December 14th. Burial at St. Stanislaus Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Parkinson's Foundation or Arcadia Catholic School in Vilas' Memory.
Wozney-Killian Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, you may leave your online condolence at www.wozneykillianfuneralhome.com
1378 East Wilson Avenue
Arcadia, WI 54612
1378 Wilson Avenue
Arcadia, WI 54612
223 Maple Street
Arcadia, WI 54612
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Vilas Hanson, please visit our flower store.
He was born to Theodore E. and Lillian (Boleng) Hanson, the seventh of eighth children, on September 30, 1933 in Blair, WI.
The very best way to describe Vilas is as a true patriot. He proudly served in the United States Air Force and was based at Lackland AFB, TX, Johnson Island, HI and Scott Field, IL.
His service is highlighted in the Novel "America's Youngest Warriors" recognizing his underage enlistment at the tender age of 14.
He was honored having gone to Washington D.C. on a military freedom flight just two weeks before entering the care center in October of 2015.
Vilas served twice as Commander of the American Legion Post 17. It was a real privilege for him to attend military funerals serving as honor guard.
In 1952, following military discharge, he began a career at A.G. Cooperatives and Golden Plump that lasted 36 years. In 1990 he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Vilas was both president and board member on the Arcadia City Council over 20 years. He was instrumental in the purchase of a 52-acre park and was thrilled with an area known as "The Soldiers Walk" where veterans of all US wars received recognition. He served Trempealeau County on the Parks Board and was a charter member of the Arcadia Credit Union.
Holy Family Catholic Church was his church home where he was a staunch advocate of the Catholic School systems.
Vilas was active in the Knights of Columbus as Grand Knight 3rd degree and 4th degree District Deputy.
The actions of a disciplined but tenderhearted man were clearly evident as he lived his faith. Despite the accomplishments received, he would be the first to say his greatest award was raising his children and seeing them become productive adults.
At 10am on June 21, 1955 he married the love his life Joan (Motszko). They enjoyed a 62-year marriage together sharing the trials and joys life brought them.
Community and church activities, travel and spoiling grandchildren were but a few of their favorite retirement pastimes. Vilas knew no strangers and was often teased by his children that he could talk to anyone anytime.
Vilas is survived by his wife Joan, children, Daniel Motszko of Elk Mound, WI, Jay Hanson (Kim) of Rogers, AR, Lorelei Almand of Grapevine, TX and Lois Rowe of Rochester, MN. Two sisters, Grace Cooper and Clarice Edenfield of Kirkland, WA, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, three brothers and precious daughter-in-law Cindy Motszko.
Visitation will be held at Wozney-Killian Funeral Home in Arcadia on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 from 5:00pm-7:00pm.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at Holy Family Catholic Church, Arcadia, WI at 11:00AM on Thursday, December 14th. Burial at St. Stanislaus Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Parkinson's Foundation or Arcadia Catholic School in Vilas' Memory.
Wozney-Killian Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, you may leave your online condolence at www.wozneykillianfuneralhome.com
Visitation
DEC 13. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CST)
Wozney-Killian Funeral Home1378 East Wilson Avenue
Arcadia, WI 54612
Rosary
DEC 13. 7:00 PM (CST)
Wozney-Killian Funeral Home1378 Wilson Avenue
Arcadia, WI 54612
Mass of Christian Burial
DEC 14. 11:00 AM (CST)
Holy Family Parish223 Maple Street
Arcadia, WI 54612
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