Vilas F. "Vi" Bursack, 96, of West Bend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 26, 2014 at Ivy Manor.
He was born May 11, 1917 in Dorchester, WI to the late Rev. G.L. and Lydia (nee Fuhrmann) Bursack. Vilas was a 1934 graduate of Horicon High School and then graduated from North Central College and Seminary of Naperville, IL in 1941. After seminary, he served as a pastor for 11 years in churches in Berlin, WI, Borth, WI and Milwaukee, WI. In 1954, he started a new career at Culter Hammer in Milwaukee where he retired in 1983 as Employee Benefits Manager.
In 1983, he and his wife, Marj, moved to the West Bend area. Vilas was an avid Milwaukee Braves, Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers fan. He also enjoyed fishing throughout his life in the many inland lakes of Wisconsin.
Vilas is survived by his wife of 49 years, Marjorie; a daughter, Cheryl (John) La Brie of Wind Lake, WI; grandsons, Todd (Jenny) Salnas of Santa Rosa, CA and Eric (fiancAC.e Emily) Salnas of Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Abby, Drew and Luke. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Karen Salnas.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 15 at 11:00 AM at Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church, West Bend. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Private inurnment will take place in Spring at East Side Cemetery in Westfield, WI.
Memorials can be made to Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church or the Humane Society of Washington County.
The family would like to express a special thank you to the entire staff of Ivy Manor of West Bend and nurses and staff of Serenity Hospice Care.