Victor LeRoy Vichlach 1935-2009

HAFT, BRENNAN, VICHLACH

Posted By: Mary Durr (email)
Date: 4/10/2009 at 21:26:25

Victor LeRoy Vichlach 1935-2009

Victor LeRoy Vichlach, 73, of Harleyville, SC passed away from cancer February 7, 2009 at his home. Vic had made arrangements prior to his death for cremation and had asked that his ashes be buried at sea, his home for many years.

Vic was born July 12, 1935 in Allamakee County. His friends will still remember the boy they grew up with. Vic will be remembered by those who knew him locally in Iowa as the young childhood friend who could pack snow harder than anyone else and someone you definitely wanted on your side in a snowball fight. On a bicycle trip to Lansing and back to his hometown of New Albin, a friend's bicycle chain broke. He found a piece of rope along the side of the road, tied it to his friend's bicycle and pulled him all of the way back to New Albin, demonstrating his true nature and the value he felt for his friends.

Vic served in the Navy during the Korean and Vietnam eras and received service medals for his distinguished service. He received a head wound while on the USS Harwood as it operated in the coastal waters off Vietnam and was credited with pulling another seaman to safety. Their gun mount took a direct hit while both men where servicing the hydraulics outside their mount. He was taken by Medi-Vac to DaNang and returned to service two weeks later. Vic also contributed pictures for published materials for the book "Super Tankers".

Vic retired from the Navy to Harleyville, SC, where he lived with his wife, Mary. He operated a business locally and later retired to care for his wife. Vic loved taking two-mile walks every day and woodworking. He was well known among friends for producing remarkable pieces that will be treasured by his friends for many years to come.

Vic was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Haft Vichlach. He was one of three sons of Veronica Marie Brennan Vichlach and Francis Stephen Vichlach. His brother, Stephen Francis Vichlach, and an infant brother, John Vichlach, also preceded him in death. Surviving Vic are two nephews, Terry and Thomas; a niece, LaVonne; and a grand nephew, Matthew.

The Waukon Standard, March 25, 2009
SUBMITTER IS NOT RELATED AND HAS NO FURTHER INFORMATION.