1927
Vilas
2014
Vilas Rhinerson
February 21, 1927 — July 8, 2014
Vilas B. Rhinerson, 87, of Liberty, MO passed away July 8, 2014. He was born in Edmond, WI February 21, 1927 to Alvin and Amy (Holman) Rhinerson. His family moved to Cobb, WI in January 1936 when his father left partnership with his brother, Clarence Rhinerson, after being in general store business since the early 1920s. Vilas, known as “Shorty” to most friends during grade and high school years attended school in Cobb from 4th to 12th grade, graduating in May 1944. He enjoyed hunting and fishing along with usual childhood activities along with building model airplanes. He played a clarinet in grade and high school band for a total of 6 years. He played basketball in high school, but it wasn’t his greatest attribute.
As WWII was still in play, Vilas enlisted in the Navy in January 1945, taking his boot camp training at Great Lakes NTC. He attended Navy Quartermaster School in Gulfport, MS from April to August 1945 and was home on leave ready to be shipped overseas when the war in Japan ended. He was shipped to the Philippines October 1945 where he served approximately 6 months in the USSYMS10, a WWI vintage mine sweeper- assigned to clear sea mines from waters in southern Philippines and South China Sea areas. The ship was decommissioned in Subic Bay, Philippines June 1946, and Vilas returned home to be discharged at Great Lakes NTC in July 1946.
Vilas attended the University of Wisconsin and graduated in June 1950 with a BBA Degree with major in Marketing and Merchandising. After completing college, Vilas began an eight year career with his father in the general store business.
The time spent with his father amounted to a combination of activities. He began by remodeling the entire store, making the grocery section into one of the first self-service store in the area. In between the carpentry aspect he was the self-appointed butcher in the meat department along with other duties involved in the general store business.
In June 1951, Vilas married Rosemary K. Clark of Boscobel, WI. To this union, four sons were born: Timothy C., Thomas A., Trent L. and Ted R. In early December 1958, Vilas accepted a position of Procurement Agent with the Department of Defense in Chicago, IL- An agency who procures subsistence for the Armed Forces worldwide. This was a godsend because many small stores were not remaining viable at this time. In March 1979, he was transferred with this same agency to Kansas City, MO.
In August 1979, Vilas was united in marriage to Claudette R. George. In May 1984, he continued his career with Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District, as Chief Procurement Branch until retiring in December 1987 after 31 years of government service.
His hobbies after retirement included restoration of antique trunks, stained glass work, fishing, some golf and working outside in general. He enjoyed keeping his home and lake home in top condition. He could often be seen on his knees pulling weeds in the back yard or weed whipping anything in sight at his lake home.
Vilas leaves his beloved wife of 35 years of marriage, Claudette; four sons, Timothy (Diane) of Deerfield, WI, Thomas (Karen) of Wheaton, IL, Trent (Renee) of West Chicago, IL and Ted (Diane) of St. Charles, IL; stepchildren, Doug George (Laura) and Vickie Sabin (Lance); 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; brother, Norbert D. Rhinerson and wife, Alma of Berlin, VT and many other relatives.
Vilas wanted all, especially his close family, to know that because he didn’t always express outwardly his close personal feelings that he indeed cared for and dearly loved those that were close and dear to him.
As WWII was still in play, Vilas enlisted in the Navy in January 1945, taking his boot camp training at Great Lakes NTC. He attended Navy Quartermaster School in Gulfport, MS from April to August 1945 and was home on leave ready to be shipped overseas when the war in Japan ended. He was shipped to the Philippines October 1945 where he served approximately 6 months in the USSYMS10, a WWI vintage mine sweeper- assigned to clear sea mines from waters in southern Philippines and South China Sea areas. The ship was decommissioned in Subic Bay, Philippines June 1946, and Vilas returned home to be discharged at Great Lakes NTC in July 1946.
Vilas attended the University of Wisconsin and graduated in June 1950 with a BBA Degree with major in Marketing and Merchandising. After completing college, Vilas began an eight year career with his father in the general store business.
The time spent with his father amounted to a combination of activities. He began by remodeling the entire store, making the grocery section into one of the first self-service store in the area. In between the carpentry aspect he was the self-appointed butcher in the meat department along with other duties involved in the general store business.
In June 1951, Vilas married Rosemary K. Clark of Boscobel, WI. To this union, four sons were born: Timothy C., Thomas A., Trent L. and Ted R. In early December 1958, Vilas accepted a position of Procurement Agent with the Department of Defense in Chicago, IL- An agency who procures subsistence for the Armed Forces worldwide. This was a godsend because many small stores were not remaining viable at this time. In March 1979, he was transferred with this same agency to Kansas City, MO.
In August 1979, Vilas was united in marriage to Claudette R. George. In May 1984, he continued his career with Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District, as Chief Procurement Branch until retiring in December 1987 after 31 years of government service.
His hobbies after retirement included restoration of antique trunks, stained glass work, fishing, some golf and working outside in general. He enjoyed keeping his home and lake home in top condition. He could often be seen on his knees pulling weeds in the back yard or weed whipping anything in sight at his lake home.
Vilas leaves his beloved wife of 35 years of marriage, Claudette; four sons, Timothy (Diane) of Deerfield, WI, Thomas (Karen) of Wheaton, IL, Trent (Renee) of West Chicago, IL and Ted (Diane) of St. Charles, IL; stepchildren, Doug George (Laura) and Vickie Sabin (Lance); 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; brother, Norbert D. Rhinerson and wife, Alma of Berlin, VT and many other relatives.
Vilas wanted all, especially his close family, to know that because he didn’t always express outwardly his close personal feelings that he indeed cared for and dearly loved those that were close and dear to him.
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