Vilas R. Yttri

Vilas Yttri, age 87 of DeSoto, died Saturday, April 5, 2008. Vilas Yttri age 87 of DeSoto, went to be with the Lord on April 5, 2008. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Marie; son, Allen; daughter, Kathy; grandsons, Eric Yttri, Nathan Dorris, and Justin Dorris; granddaughters, Emily Yttri and Heather Dorris; 2 great grandchildren, Bethanny and Aiden Dorris; brothers, Dwain, Lowell, and Ronald; sisters, Verla Syverson and Cleone Ames; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Sam and Clara; son, Thomas; daughter Delana Dorris; brother, Lyle; and sister Erma. Vilas was born to Sam and Clara Yttri on February 21, 1921 in DeSoto, Wisconsin. In 1943 he married Marie Wanberg. From 1941-1945 he served his country in the Army Air Corps as a 1st Lt . and as a B-24 pilot. He was shot down over Romania and spent 4 months as a prisoner of war in that country. After the service Vilas and Marie farmed together for 36 years in DeSoto. After retiring, Vilas ran the school bus service for DeSoto Area Schools for 14 years. Vilas was a lifelong member of DeSoto Lutheran Church where he served in many leadership positions including the building committee that helped build the church in DeSoto and he also filled many positions on the church board. He also served as clerk of the town board for the Town of Wheatland for several years. After retiring for a second time, Vilas and Marie split their time between their homes in DeSoto and Spring Hill, Florida. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the DeSoto Lutheran Church. Pastor Libby Howe will officiate with burial in the DeSoto Lutheran Church Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 320 Main (Hwy 82) in DeSoto. Friends may also call at the church on Saturday after 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers or plants, please send donations to DeSoto Lutheran Church Building Fund. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of DeSoto is serving the family.