HOLMEN— Vilas “Buck” Edwin Evenson, 81, of Holmen passed

away with his family at his side Thursday, July 15, 2010,

at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.

Buck was born in Holmen November 1, 1928 to Ole and

Josie (Olson) Evenson. He was baptized December 20 of that year,

and confirmed June 7, 1942 at Holmen Lutheran Church.
  
With the passing of their father at a young age, the

Evenson children perservered through the depression.

Throughout his school years, Buck worked with his siblings

on the family egg farm. He also worked at the Holmen Creamery

shoveling coal and helping pick up cream, and at the Holmen

Canning factory. Buck still found time for other activites,

lettering on the Basketball and baseball teams and playing Trombone

in the band and brass ensemble. He graduated Salutatorian from Holmen High School in 1946. 

 Buck joined the Air Force in 1946, and achieved the rank of Staff Sargent

while he was stationed in Korea ande Japan as a cryptographer. He also found time

to pitch on the unit’s baseball team.

 After the war, Buck returned home and attended UW-Stout,

then Dunwoody Technical Institute, where he studied Machine Tool Technology.

Buck worked the rest of his life as a tool and die maker,

starting a small machine shop in 1967.

His brother Gerald soon brought his skills to the venture, and they

incorporated Viking Tool & Mfg. of Holmen on September 20, 1967.

He later married Linda Gaddes March 27, 1976. Gerald retired from the

business in 1991, while Buck continued the business with the assistance of his

children until his death.

 Buck was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 284 of Holmen,

serving many years with the chicken pit crew for the annual Kornfest celebration.

 Buck was preceeded in death by his parents, infant children

Jody Brian and Leslie Rae, his brothers Gerald “Rank” (Jean) Evenson of Holmen,

Orlando “O.J.” and wife Delores Evenson of Independence, Lloyd “Lip” (Carol) Evenson

of Janesville, and his sister Constance “Connie” and her husband

Reginald “Reg” Cottrell of Holmen.

 Vilas is survived by his wife, Linda,  a daughter, Rebecca (Arlan) Lee

of Holmen, two sons, Craig (Stacy) Evenson of Holmen, and Jay (Cindee) Evenson

of Arcadia, five grandchildren, Koryn (fiance Taylor Connelly) and Duncan Evenson,

of Arcadia, Alvin Sanderson of

Oklahoma City, OK, Jennifer Sanderson (fiance Mike Zmayefski) of Brooklyn, CT,

Samantha Millard of Holmen, and his stepchildren LeeAnn of La Crosse

and Donald Gaddes Jr. of Egg Harbor, and their families  He will also be missed by his many nieces and nephews,

and his dog Molly and shop cats Underfoot and Mr. Smuts.

 Buck stayed active throughout his life, playing golf, bowling, and

trout fishing until his later years.

 Buck was a kind and gentle person who liked to have fun and enjoyed

the company of family and friends.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Sunday, July 18th from 4 to 7 PM

at the Town of Holland Hall, W7937 Cty Hwy MH, Holmen.

In lieu of flowers, momorials are preferred.  Coulee Region Cremation Group at

www.couleecremation.com is assisting the family.