Vernon Soltau

Vernon E. Soltau, 75 , formerly of Viroqua, died Wednesday, October 17, 2012. Vernon E. Soltau, age 75, formerly of Viroqua, La Crosse and Onalaska passed away peacefully at the U.W. Hospital in Madison, Wis. on October 17, 2012 with his daughter and son by his side. Vern died of complications from a stroke he suffered in March of 2011. Vern was born in Sparta, Wis. on March 20, 1937 to Lyle and Katherine (Ikert) Soltau. The family moved to Viroqua in 1950. He attended school in Viroqua and graduated from Viroqua High School. He attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Vern met Jeannette Mossholder and they were married on August 24, 1963. They remained loving husband and wife until her death on May 7, 1995. Vern proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Reserve "Wisconsin National Guard Red Arrow 32nd Division" for 26 years retiring in 1980. He was a member of the Holmen American Legion Post 284. He was also a very active member of the La Crosse County 40/8 Voiture 830 where he held numerous positions. He was very honored to be part of the "Loci" Crew. His special trips were to the daycare center and the Veterans Home in King. Another trip at the top of his list was the "fall colors trip". A great time was had by all. Vern worked at Trane Company in La Crosse for 32 years retiring April 1, 1997. He was a fun loving person and enjoyed life to the fullest. Some of his greatest challenges were the fishing excursions with his brother Jim on the Black River and Lake Onalaska. Vern was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jeannette; daughter, Carolyn (Roger) Young; brother, Bernie (Dorothy) Soltau; sister-in-law, Janice (Jim) Soltau; brothers-in-law: Arnold Blegen and Bob Greeno. Vern is survived by his daughter, Marnette (Manny) Voeltz of Madison, Wis.; son, Dan (Linda) Mossholder of Dresback, Minn.; brothers: Jim Soltau, Noel (Shirley) Soltau, and Mike (Nora) Soltau; sisters: Janet Greeno and Kathy (Arvid) Skrede all from the Viroqua area; seven grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Vern was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. The family would like to thank the Doctors and nurses at U.W. Hospital in Madison for the compassion and devoted care they provided Dad during his final hours. Also a special thank you to the aunts, uncles and a cousin and her fianc for the support they provided the past 18 months. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 22, 2012 at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main Street (Hwy 14) in Westby. Pastor Ethan Larson will officiate. The US Army Honors Team and Holmen American Legion will provide military Honors. Friends may call at the Vosseteig Funeral Home on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers and plants the family would appreciate memorial contributions to La Crosse County 40/8 Nurses Scholarship, c/o of Marnette Voeltz, 602 Delladonna Way, Madison, WI 53704. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.