Wincielee Bud Caro

Wincielee E. "Bud" Caro, age 71 died Saturday, February 24, 2007 Wincielee E. "Bud" Caro, age 71 of Viroqua, WI died Saturday, February 24, 2007 at the Tomah VA Medical Center. He spent the last six months there due to cancer and Alzheimers disease. He fought a good fight right to the end and now has gone to his Fathers Home. "Bud" as he was commonly known, was born Sept 1, 1935 in Castleberry, AL to Emmitt & Iris (Merritt) Caro. He grew up around Castleberry, AL and the Pensecola, FL area. He loved his home states and was an avid football fan of teams from both states. He served 20 years in the U.S. Army (1958-1978) and retired as a Sgt. 1st Class (E-7). He gave his all to the Army, dedicated to be the best soldier he knew how to be. He served in the Vietnam War, the Korean Conflict, and Berlin Crisis. Bud was proud of his military career. He was an Infantry Combat Soldier for 12 years but due to injuries, served the last eight years in Food Service Management. He took that training into his civilian life and worked in management for KFC in New Mexico in his later years. In 1957 he married Elsie Fae Chestnut and they had six children. In October 1973, he married Donna Rae Stalsberg in Phenix City, AL. They were married for 34 years and have one child, Roxanne. Bud also had three step-children from this marriage. Bud enjoyed being with people and made sure someone didnt walk away feeling like a "stranger." He was a true southerner! He was a member of the DAV organization and a verbal crusader for Veterans Rights. He was also a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints. Surviving are his wife, Donna; daughter, Roxanne Valdez and grandchildren: Quinton Fleshman and Zen Valdez all of Viroqua; his other children: Cheryl Chestnut of Pensecola, FL; Wincielee E. Jr (Karla) Caro of Corpus Christie, TX; Darlene (Sal) Salinas of Cartersville, GA; Carla (James) Anderson of Hatchechubba, AL; Delores (John) Leonard of Ackworth, GA; Lisa (Mark) Maze of Jefferson, GA; William Eugene (Rhonda) Caro of Opelika, AL; and his three step-children: Donna Jo Acrey, Mark (Bonnie) Andrews, and Peggy Youmans, all of Lawton, OK. Further survivors include 19 grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren - one being named Wincielee E. "Lee" Caro, IV. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua. Robert Ortloff, Branch President of the Viroqua Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints will preside. Military Rites by the Viroqua VFW will follow the service. Friends may call at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W Decker (Hwy 56) in Viroqua on Wednesday from 12 noon until the time of the service. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.