Vilas James Barttelt, 80, of Schofield, passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2017, surrounded by his family at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born on March 27, 1937, in the town of Maine to the late Wilhelm and Martha (Utecht) Barttelt. Vilas grew up and was a lifelong resident of the area. During Vilas’ life he was blessed to find love twice. He was married to Virginia Ritter until 1976 and then on December 7, 1979 he married the former Ila “Mickey” Bauman at St. Stephens United Church of Christ in Merrill.
Vilas was employed by Wausau Paper for 34 years and also served in the Wisconsin National Guard. He was a “people person” and enjoyed talking and getting to know people he met while making his normal stops around town. If you didn’t know him when you walked in somewhere, you would definitely know him by the time you left. He was a great storyteller and concertina player. Vilas always took the time to share a story or conversation and never turned down a cold one. He enjoyed sports, especially watching the Brewers and Packers, fishing, and Chatterbox hamburgers on Tuesday nights.
Survivors include his wife, Mickey Barttelt; daughters, Cynthia (Barry) Krenz, Cherie (Dale) Rice, Crystal (Ed) Kienbaum, Candice (Scott) Bolson, Patricia (Tobias) Kusenberger, and Peggy (Todd) Jaeger; nine grandchildren, Heidi, Heath, Lora, Ashley, Ginny, Hilary, Hunter, Ryan, and Jason; nine great-grandchildren and one due in April; and brother, Delbert (Marilyn) Barttelt.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters and brother, Ella Gaeu, Lorena Sense, Elgardt Barttelt, Leona Howard, and Doris Prochnow.
A funeral service will be at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 11, 2017, at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau, with Rev. Erik Olson of First English Lutheran Church officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 3:00 p.m. until the time of service in the funeral home. Private entombment will be in Restlawn Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, town of Texas.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.