Willard B. Atkinson

Willard B. Atkinson, age 86 of Viroqua, died Wednesday evening, March 23, 2005 Willard B. Atkinson, age 86 of Viroqua, died Wednesday evening, March 23, 2005 at the Vernon Manor Nursing Home in Viroqua. He was born on October 9, 1918 in New Mexico to David Gideon and Emma Virgie (Halsell) Atkinson. He graduated from Oakdale California High School in 1937 and served in the U.S. Army from November 25, 1942 to November 9, 1945. He was a member of 362nd Infantry in Africa and Italy where he received numerous medals and decorations including American Campaign Medal, European, African and Middle Eastern Campaign Medals. He also received the Bronze Star and WWII Victory Medal. From 1947 to 1979 he worked for Pacific Gas and Electric Co in San Francisco, CA in construction of power lines. He was a member of Hesperian Lodge #264 F&AM and later LaBelle Lodge #84 F&AM in Viroqua. He was also a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the ZOR Shrine and Vernon Shrine Club. Willard was a member of the Viroqua VFW and Viroqua Eagles. On March 3, 1999 he was baptized at the Viroqua Church of Christ. On May 1, 1999 he was united in marriage to Betty Lund who survives him. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2005 at 4:00 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Hwy 14 in Westby. Pastor Fred Sindorf will officiate with burial in the Viroqua Cemetery. Friends may call on Saturday afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m. with a public Masonic service at 3:30 p.m.