Vilas Kraft

Vilas "Boots" L. Kraft, 95, of Seymour passed away peacefully Monday morning, October 23, 2017, at Meadow Wood Assisted Living, Seymour, with family by his side. He was born April 7, 1922, son of the late Anthony and Arbie (Krause) Kraft in Dorchester, WI. He graduated from Milltown High School in 1940, an attended the University of Wisconsin, Superior and the University of Notre Dame.

Vilas was a torpedomen in the Navy aboard the destroyer, the U.S.S. Wm. D. Portor in World War II. He served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theatre having passed through the Panama Canal. In 1945, he was united in marriage to Vernice Snell, In San Francisco, CA.

Vilas and his brother Lloyd owned and operated the Kraft Shoe Store in Seymour for many years. He served as Boy Scout leader, Scout Master for many years, he served on the Muehl Library Board, on the Seymour School Board, Board of Appeals, and served as co-chairman with Roy Puls in helping a group of churches raise money for the Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Seymour.

Vilas is a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Seymour. He enjoyed wood-working and the many years he spent at "Higi-Chari" (Camp in the Woods).

He is survived by his wife, Vernice; son, Kenneth Kraft, Medford; two granddaughters: Brenda and Breanne; many nieces and nephews.

Vilas is preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Judith; two brothers: Lloyd "Gabbey" (Esther) Kraft, and Kenneth, who was killed on Iwo Jima, World War II; and sister, Gladys (Tom) Reed.

To honor Vilas's request, a private family funeral service will be held.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.muehlboettcher.com
Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour is assisting the family with arrangements.