Vilas E. Vreeke, age 85, of Merrill, passed away on Thursday, September 13, 2018, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Vilas was born June 19, 1933, in Sheboygan, son of the late William and Esther (Hidde) Vreeke. He married Joyce Groene on July 25, 1953. She survives. Vilas enlisted in the Army National Guard on March 14, 1950. He was honorably discharged on March 13, 1953. Vilas was a retired firefighter with the city of Sheboygan. He enjoyed woodcarving, fishing and traveling. After retiring, Vilas and Joyce moved to Lakewood, Wisconsin, and built a home on Waubee Lake. They enjoyed many wonderful years ‘living on the water’.
Vilas is survived by his wife, Joyce Vreeke, Merrill; one daughter, Vicki (John) Kuester, Merrill; two sons, Jeff (Betty) Vreeke, New Mexico and David Vreeke, Plymouth; six grandchildren, Justin, Eric, Adam, Tim, Lindsay and Josh; two great-grandchildren, Emily and Sloane; and a half-sister, Mary Lundskow, Ada, Wisconsin. Vilas was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Vilas A. Vreeke; and several siblings.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. Inurnment will take place at a later date in The Lutheran Cemetery, Sheboygan. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 9:30 A.M. Tuesday. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that memorials be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill, or St. John Lutheran Church, Townsend, Wisconsin.