Karl P. Lillesvangstu

Karl P. Lillesvangstu, 88, of Viroqua died Sunday, June 19, 2011. Karl P. Lillesvangstu, 88, of Viroqua died Sunday, June 19, 2011 at the Bethel Home in Viroqua. Karl was born January 25, 1923 in Viroqua to Louis and Ellen (Skagen) Lillesvangstu. He was Baptized and Confirmed in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. He attended the Viroqua Schools and in 1940 he graduated from high school. After graduation he immediately entered the work force selling mens clothing at Groves & Groves Mens Wear in Viroqua.On January 10, 1943 he was united in marriage to Hope Witcraft, his high school sweetheart, by Reverend O.M. Kleven in the Lutheran Parsonage in Viroqua. In January 2003 they celebrated 60 years of marriage at which time Hope was a resident of the Bethel Home in Viroqua. For 3 years he was a Military Policeman with the U.S. Army during World War II. He spent 2 years overseas with the 788th M.P. Battalion, which was attached to the Air Force in Iran.He spent most of his working years as a shoe salesman at the retail level in Viroqua, Wausau, Richland Center and La Crosse. One of his loves was music and he enjoyed singing in the church choirs, Barber shoppers, and Quartets. Karl was preceded in death by his wife, Hope, of February 17, 2003; an infant sister; Sister Gudrun at age 13; Sister Marie Taylor on January 27, 2001; Brother Arthur in 1972; and his sister Laura Peterson. Karl is survived by niece Judy Rogers; nephews Douglas, Roger and Gerry Peterson, all of Hudson; sister-in-law Shirley Meroll of Waukesha and her children David, Susan and Carolyn; and by Paul and Eric Witcraft and their families. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 22, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua. Pastor Margaret Eiben-Hoversten will officiate. Burial with military honors will be in the Viroqua Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11. In Lieu of flowers and plants, memorial donations may be made in Karls name to a charity of donors choice. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.