William C. Ilstrup

William C. Ilstrup, 87 of Onalaska, formerly of Viroqua died Wednesday, January 19, 2011. William C. Ilstrup, 'Bill' of Onalaska, formerly of Viroqua, passed away on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. He was born on April 5, 1923 to Samuel and Eva Ilstrup in Duluth, MN. Bill was a banker, farmer, and pilot. Bill spent his growing up years in Dassel, Minnesota and graduated from Dassel High School in 1941. Bill attended Concordia College for two years and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a pilot flying PBY seaplanes. After the war, he graduated from the University of Minnesota and joined his family in the banking business. In 1948 he married Carol Mae Boxrud and this union lasted for 62 years. He was the President of Firsnabanco, a local bank holding company that owned banks in Viroqua, Viola, Sparta, Trempealeau and Centerville. Bill loved to be on a farm. He especially loved to drive any tractors as long as they were GREEN and cars on long trips. He loved to walk and build fences, regardless of the weather. He loved his family and time spent with them. He is survived by his wife Carol; children Sandy (Diann) of Trempealeau, WI, Rondi (Mark) Solverson, Jodi (Rich) Davig, both of Viroqua, Jeffrey of Onalaska,WI, and Kristine (William) Ross of La Crosse; nine grandchildren; Shane Ilstrup of LaCrosse, Ingrid (Dan) Olson of LaCrosse, Stephanie (Andrew) Sirek of Rochester, MN, Erik Solverson of Albuquerque, NM, Jeffrey, Samuel, Matthew, Carolyn and Victor Ross of LaCrosse. He is preceded in death by his younger brother Samuel Orson; and sisters Sig Reiter and Bernice Heffron. Funeral services will he held Monday, January 24, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Viroqua. Pastor Kathy Ingbritsen will officiate. Friends may call on Sunday, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W. Decker (Hwy 56), Viroqua. Friends may also call on Monday at the church from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service.In Lieu of flowers and plants the family requests memorials be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Christ-The-King Lutheran Church, or Sugar Creek Bible Camp, Ferryville, WI. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.