On March 1, 2017, John William “Bill” Vilberg, age 101, passed peacefully after a brief illness.

He was born to John and Harda Vilberg on September 16, 1915 in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin.

Prior to WWII, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin. He worked for Haskins & Sells accounting firm in New York City and then in the auditing operations of the Detroit Ordinance District of the War Department.

He enlisted in the Army and piloted a B-17 Flying Fortress with the 95th Bomb Group in raids on Berlin. His plane was shot down and he was captured and held as a POW until the end of the war. He was awarded the Bronze Star.

After the war, he married Marion Wisner and moved back to Mt. Horeb to care for his ailing parents, start a family, and work for the State of Wisconsin Insurance Department where he examined employee welfare programs. In 1969 they opened a needlework store, Witchery Stitchery. When they sold the store, they retired to Miami, FL; and following Hurricane Andrew, they moved to Scotch Hill, PA.

His wife of over 50 years died on October 2, 1999 and he moved to Clarion.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers (Erling, Clarence, Walter, and Fred) and is survived by sons, James (Carol) and William (Ruth) both of Miami, FL, and Thomas (Jeanne) of Las Vegas, NV, 6 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.

John loved reading mysteries, taking long walks, spending time with family and friends, and discussing politics. He was a lifelong member of the Mt. Horeb Evangelical Lutheran Church and served his community in many ways. He was always interested in others, kind and thoughtful.

The family plans a private ceremony and asks that memorials be made to the charity of one’s choice.

They wish to extend special thanks to Dr. Randy Kreider, Clarion Community Medicine-UPMC; Highland Oaks; WRC Rehabilitation Services; and WRC Hospice Services for the kindness, comfort and support they provided John.

Arrangements by Cremation & Funeral Service by Gary S. Silvat, Inc, Youngstown, OH.

To send condolences to Bill’s family please visit: www.crematepa.com.