Vilas D. Sprecher

SAUK PRAIRIE - Vilas Dean Sprecher, 83, of Sauk Prairie, died peacefully and honorably on Wednesday, April 24, 2013, at St. Clare Hospice House in Baraboo. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August, 2012. He was born on June 26, 1929, to Elias and Ellen (Gasser) Sprecher. He was married to Ruth Irene Kaldenberg on Aug. 1, 1951. Ruth preceded him in death in 1976. He married Nancy Kenmitz Url on Feb. 5, 1983. Vilas was a lifelong farmer in the Blackhawk area. He was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on Feb. 4, 1973. Vilas was an active member in the Baraboo Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses and served as an elder from 1981 until his death. We will carry with us his strength and faith in the Bible's promise of a paradise soon to come on earth when we will be together forever, free of pain, death and suffering (Revelation 21:3, 4). He showed us all what it meant to be courageous and loyal. He will be missed by his wife, Nancy; children, Kathy (Mike) Manderfield, Doug (Bobbi), Dennis (Becky), Delbert (Shari), Debbie (Peter) Kingslow, Robert (Lisa), Duane and Susan Christopherson; grandchildren, Kendra (Brad) Moore, Chris (Trudee) Manderfield, Jorie Manderfield, Landon (Brooke) Sprecher, Brittney Sprecher, Buffi Sprecher, Breann (Andy) Micke, Vanessa (Dustin) Lofgren, Chad (Katie) Sprecher, Heather Sprecher and Taylor Christopherson; great-grandchildren, Bailey Sprecher, Jackson and Isla Moore and Molly Manderfield; and siblings, Halsey (Lila) Sprecher, Marion (Ed) Yngsdal, Ruby (Neil) Alwin and Keith Sprecher. In addition to his parents and first wife, Ruth; Vilas was preceded in death by a son, Richard "Dick"; an infant grandson, Ryan; brothers, Les and Lyle; and sister, Liz Savides. A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2013, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and a memorial talk given by dear friend, Gary Barbknecht at 6 p.m. at the KINGDOM HALL OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES, E10966 Hatchery Road, Baraboo. The family would especially like to thank Home Health United Hospice as well as the staff at St. Clare Hospice House for their outstanding support, care and compassion over the last six months. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sprecher family. A portion of this will be donated to St. Clare Hospice House.