Edward Viskocil (1920-2008)

VISKOCIL, ZUFAN, BIDDLE, ROLKE, MCINROY, SWARTZBAUGH, HUGUNIN, BYRD, ROSSUM, FOSDICK, OLSON

Posted By: Nevada Journal
Date: 12/4/2008 at 22:13:40

THE NEVADA JOURNAL, Nevada, Story County, Iowa, December 4, 2008.

Edward Viskocil, age 88, of Osage, died Monday, November 17, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center-Hospice Unit in Osage. Edward was born October 16, 1920, in Osage, Iowa, the son of John and Victoria (Zufan) Viskocil. He was baptized into the Catholic Church and received his education in the Osage schools, graduating in 1938. Eddie was the first person to wrestle for Osage High School when he stepped on the mat at 85 lbs. in 1934. He went on to college at the University of Wisconsin. In 1940, he won the National AAU Tournament in Ames at 145 lbs., wrestling unattached. Eddie entered the Naval Cadets in May 1942, and in April 1943 he received his Naval Wings. He then transferred to the U.S. Marine Air Corps. Eddie flew the TBF "Avenger" Torpedo Bomber with two crewmen aboard and also was a qualified Carrier Pilot in World War II. He served at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, Tinian, Mariana Islands, and Iwo Jima, Volcanic Islands. Captain Edward Viskocil was released from active duty in December of 1945, with an Honorable Discharge. He served in the Marine Air Corps Reserve until 1956. For his military service in World War II, he was awarded four Distinguished Flying Crosses and 15 air medals. Eddie was an Osage Police Officer for 31 ½ years, the last 24 as Police Chief. He retired in 1985. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church, the Iowa Chiefs Association, Osage Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, Marine Corps Association, Osage V.F.W., and the Osage American Legion. His hobbies were raising roses and Musky fishing. Eddie married Mildred Spaanum in 1952, and three children were born to this union, James, Ann Maria, and Jane. Mildred died in 1966. In August 1985, he married Vivian McInroy.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, November 22, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage with Rev John Moser officiating. Burial was at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Osage with military honors at the grave.

Eddie is survived by his wife, Vivian Viskocil of Osage; son, James (Cynthia) Viskocil of River Falls, Wisconsin; daughter, Jane (Jeff) Biddle of Nevada; son-in-law, Andy Rolke of Greensboro, North Carolina; five grandchildren, Kimberly Viskocil, John Viskocil, Jeffery Biddle, Justin Biddle, and Laura Rolke; five step-children, Sheri McInroy, Madonna (Jim) Swartzbaugh, Rhonda (Bill) Hugunin, Steven (Jeanne) McInroy, Julie (Jim) Byrd; fifteen step-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren two nephews, Vaughn (Carol) Rossum of Osage, and Craig (Sharon) Fosdick of Ione, California.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Mildred; his daughter, Ann Maria Rolke, a sister, Mary Olson; and a brother, Jerry Viskocil.

Arrangements were entrusted to Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, 641-732-3706.

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