Vilas Edward Komperud, 93, of Onalaska, Wisconsin passed away on Monday, July 6, 2015 at his home with his family at his side.

Vilas was born October 1, 1921, in Galesville, Wisconsin to Alex and Louise (Peterson) Komperud. He grew up on a farm near Galesville and stayed with his family during the depression to keep the farm going. In 1942 he met the love of his life Harriet Mardelle Olson and was married in September of 1943 in West Salem. They purchased their own farm near Ettrick and stayed there for 20 years. In 1963, Vilas packed up the family and moved to Onalaska where he purchased and developed 7 acres of land which today is known as the Komperud addition and Vilas Street. In 1967, Vilas and his son Kenneth started a construction business (Vilas Komperud & Son) and built numerous homes on Vilas Street as well as around the surrounding area until his retirement in 1983. However, Vilas stayed busy helping others, with projects as well as restoring many items from his 1940 Chevy to wood furniture, player pianos, Victorla’s, a violin, antique organs, and other items for him to repair.

In 2009, Vilas wrote his autobiography “87 Busy Years” which he copied, bound and marketed himself with the help of his grandson, and other family members. The book summarized many of his accomplishments over the years and was a pictorial history of the region. Vilas enjoyed traveling, fishing, family gatherings, old time country western music, barn dances, and meeting celebrities such as George Jones, Mel Tillis and Ray Price. He loved playing pool with his sons and attending Brewer games with his son-in-law.

Vilas is survived by his three children; Kenneth (Patricia) Komperud of Holmen, Nancy (Tom) Hammill Holmen, and Larry Komperud of Onalaska, six grandchildren, Rick (Julie) Komperud of Holmen, Kelly (Stacey) Komperud of Onalaska, Matthew (Sarah) Komperud of Onalaska, Alex (Stephanie) Komperud of Tempe, AZ, Pamela (Jacob) Schwarz of Austin, MN, Jennifer (Mike) Thrower of Onalaska, and eleven (11) great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. He will always be remembered for his kindness, generosity and willingness to put other’s needs before his own.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Harriet Mardelle of 64 years, two sisters, Laura Hoff, and Mamie Dale, and two brothers, Elmer Komperud and Archie Komperud and one infant grandson.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30, Friday, July 10, 2015 at the First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI with the Reverend Jason Stanton officiating. Burial will follow at Hardies Creek Lutheran Cemetery in rural Ettrick, Wis. Friends may call from 5 – 7 pm Thursday July 9, at the Fossum Funeral and Cremation Service in Onalaska, and again Friday from 9:30 until the services at the church.

The family wishes to extend their many thanks to Gundersen Lutheran and their hospice staff for their wonderful care and support.