Stanley A. Buck Walleser

Stanley "Buck" Walleser, age 53 of DeSoto, died Tuesday, May 19, 2009. Stanley "Buck" Arthur Walleser, age 53 of rural DeSoto passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 as a result of a work accident. He was born in Waukon, Iowa on September 7, 1955 to Stanley E. and Velma (Knickerbocker) Walleser. He was a life long Catholic, served as an altar boy and was currently a member of the St. Charles Catholic Church in Genoa. After graduation from DeSoto High School in 1973, he farmed in partnership with his father and brothers at Walleser Farms. Buck was a farrow to finish hog producer; he was proud to be the source of many prize swine exhibits at the county fair. Over the last several years, Buck operated Walleser Concrete as an independent cement contractor. He took great pride in his work and was known as a skilled perfectionist and teacher of his trade. A job was done right (Bucks way) or not at all. On August 31, 2002, Stanley was united in marriage to Shirley Finley. She was his something special! Her children, especially "That Boy", gave him a family he was very proud of. Buck was dedicated to his family as well as his community, not necessarily in conventional ways but always with deep commitment. He was instrumental in the construction of the Retreat Sportsmen Community Club building. He was a huge supporter, contributor, and volunteer for the club. Bucks colorful radio commentary during the Retreat Worlds Fair Parade was a regular highlight. Buck was a big man with a big heart. His opinions were freely given, leaving no question as to where he stood on any issue. Bucks "Well you know" will be long remembered and much missed. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; children: Melissa (Chad) Vikemyr of Viroqua, Shane (Michelle) Finley of Oconomowoc, Wis., Mikayla Finley of Caledonia, Minn., and Shad Finley at home; grandchildren: Alex and Kelsey Vikemyr, and Gabriel and Gweneth Finley; 14 brothers and sisters: Clement (Judy Day) Walleser of Dubuque, Iowa, Betty Keenan of Viroqua, Bernadette (Richard) Halvorson of East Dubuque, Ill., Donna (Gordon) Johnson of Lansing, Iowa, Alice (Mansel) Koeller of DeSoto, Henrietta "Daisy" Bauman of East Dubuque, Ill., John (Jean Marks) Walleser of Viroqua, Helenjean Walleser of West Des Moines, Iowa, Virginia (Orville) Hendrickson of DeSoto, Susanna (Ronald L.) Brudos of Viroqua, Edward (Vivian Shields) Walleser of DeSoto, Mary Jo (Armand) Bringe of Viroqua, Kevin (Anne Elwing) Walleser of DeSoto, and Margaret (John) McDonah of Byron, Minn.; 63 nieces and nephews; 105 great-grand nieces and nephews; his mother-in-law, Verna Reed of Viroqua; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brother-in-laws: Patrick Keenan and Ralph Bauman, and a nephew, Russell Halvorson. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at St. Charles Catholic Church, Genoa, Wis. His nephew, Father Richard Halvorson, and Father Roy Witucki will celebrate the Mass with burial in the Walnut Mound Cemetery at Retreat. Friends may call from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 25, 2009 at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home,123 W. Decker Street, (Hwy. 56) in Viroqua and at the church on Tuesday after 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Homes of Viroqua and DeSoto are serving the family.