Marlin J. Vilhauer, 90 of Avon

His funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Avon, with Pastor Ken Johnson officiating. Burial will be the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, rural Avon, with military honors. Visitation will be at the church from 4 to 7 Monday, followed by a 7 p.m. prayer service.

Marlin J. Vilhauer, son of John "JJP" and Emma (Raabe) Vilhauer, was born June 23, 1921 on the home farm near Avon in Charles Mix County. He died Saturday, December 10, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall. Marlin attained the age of 90 years, five months and 18 days.

Marlin was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Avon on July 11, 1921 and confirmed there on May 24, 1936.

Marlin attended Rouse Country School #74 through the eighth grade. He served in the U.S. Navy. He was privileged to be on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in November of 2010 with his grandson, Tyler.

Marlin married Rose Lukkes on October 21, 1949 at Zion Lutheran Church. Five children were blessed to their union. After their marriage, Marlin and Rose moved onto the family farm where they farmed, did dairy and raised hogs for 49 years. Marlin also invented a butchering saw and helped friends and neighbors with their butchering. Marlin and Rose retired in February of 1998, bought a home and moved into Avon. They moved to the Meadow View Manor in January of 2009 and then Marlin moved to Autumn Winds in Yankton in May of 2010. Rose died June 10, 2010. Marlin became a resident of the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall on February 28, 2011.

Marlin was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church where he served as an Elder, Trustee and Sunday School teacher. He also was a member of the Arthur Wissman American Legion Post 150, Rouse Country School #74 board member, and the Charles Mix Election Board.

After his retirement, Marlin helped farmer friends at harvest time haul their crops. He also worked for the City of Avon mowing and working at the dump. Marlin will be remembered for his enjoyment of woodworking, fixing clocks, fishing and play cards.

Thankful for having shared his life are his children and their families: Elaine (Jim) Johnson, Dallas, TX; Loren, Pierre; Clayton (Jean), Ft. Collins, CO and their children Dawn (Jason) Ranz, Jared, Jason and Jeremy; Glen (Brenda), Mitchell and their children Stacy (Josh) Haiar, Brian (Megan) and Brent; and Charlene (Kevin) Tjeerdsma, Avon and their son Tyler (Jenny); five great grandchildren: Zayden and Kinley Tjeerdsma, Emilee and Lindsey Ranz, and Evelyn Vilhauer; one sister, Helen (Leland "Bud") Kopps, Highland , WI; sister-in-law, Choyce Vilhauer, Yankton; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Marlin was preceded in death by his wife; parents; sister, Mildred Haenfler (Joe); and two brothers: Clarence and Wallace (Vivian).

Casket bearers: Jared Vilhauer, Tyler Tjeerdsma, Brian Vilhauer, Jason Vilhauer, Brent Vilhauer, Jeremy Vilhauer and Brian Janssen.

Honorary Casket bearers: Lauren and Sylvia Meiers, Ray Brandt, Dorothy Brandt, Allen Kocmich and the Arthur Wissman American Legion Post #150 Members.