Carl J. M. Vilen, 84, formerly of Escalon, died Friday, Dec. 3.
He was born in 1926, the son of Milfred and Mary Ellen Vilen and was a resident of the Escalon area for nearly all his life. He was a proud father, husband, veteran, and citizen. He was especially proud of his community and church activities, having served on the Escalon City Council for 32 years, including two terms of Mayor. Carl and Jeanie, his wife of nearly 60 years, were active members of the Saron Lutheran Church where Mr. Vilen served as a member of the Board and as Treasurer for 40 years.
He served in the United States Army during World War II. Throughout his life, he enjoyed sharing stories of experience serving his country in the Philippines. He was an active member of a number of service organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Lions Club, and Escalon Shrine Club. He served as Commander/President of all these organizations at some point. He also served as a member of the Escalon Planning Commission, as President of the League of California Cities, and President of the San Joaquin Cities and Counties Association.
He retired as an agent for the Farmers Insurance Group after 35 years with that company. Prior to opening his own office in Escalon, he worked at the San Joaquin County Auditor's Office, the Escalon Branch of the Post Office, and the Central Valley Bank. When he returned from the Philippines after WWII, he worked at the bank as a teller and it was there that he met Jeanie Faulong. The two were married on July 29, 1950. Together they led a very active life raising their children and giving back to the community. They were honored to be recipients of the 1984 Escalon Chamber of Commerce Citizens of the Year award along with many other awards recognizing their gift of time, energy and commitment. They also served as worthy patron and worthy matron of Eastern Star.
Earlier this year, Mr. Vilen lost his beloved wife Jeanie to Alzheimer's disease. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Mary Ellen Polhemus Carrillo.
He is survived by their four children, Carol Anne Nitsche (Seattle, WA), Donald Vilen (Seattle, WA and Palo Alto, CA), Kathryn Ulsh (Modesto), and Mary Steidel (Curtis, WA); seven granddaughters, Lori, Anastasia, Andrea, Erin, Ellen, Jennifer, and Kimberly; and four great-grandchildren, Abigail, Audrey, Caleb, and Noah.
Burial was on Saturday, Dec. 11 at Burwood Cemetery with a memorial following at Saron Lutheran Church, Escalon.
Memorial donations may be made to his favorite causes, including the Saron Lutheran Church and the Shriners' Hospital for Children; or, at your preference, a local hospice organization.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Dec. 15, 2010
He was born in 1926, the son of Milfred and Mary Ellen Vilen and was a resident of the Escalon area for nearly all his life. He was a proud father, husband, veteran, and citizen. He was especially proud of his community and church activities, having served on the Escalon City Council for 32 years, including two terms of Mayor. Carl and Jeanie, his wife of nearly 60 years, were active members of the Saron Lutheran Church where Mr. Vilen served as a member of the Board and as Treasurer for 40 years.
He served in the United States Army during World War II. Throughout his life, he enjoyed sharing stories of experience serving his country in the Philippines. He was an active member of a number of service organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Lions Club, and Escalon Shrine Club. He served as Commander/President of all these organizations at some point. He also served as a member of the Escalon Planning Commission, as President of the League of California Cities, and President of the San Joaquin Cities and Counties Association.
He retired as an agent for the Farmers Insurance Group after 35 years with that company. Prior to opening his own office in Escalon, he worked at the San Joaquin County Auditor's Office, the Escalon Branch of the Post Office, and the Central Valley Bank. When he returned from the Philippines after WWII, he worked at the bank as a teller and it was there that he met Jeanie Faulong. The two were married on July 29, 1950. Together they led a very active life raising their children and giving back to the community. They were honored to be recipients of the 1984 Escalon Chamber of Commerce Citizens of the Year award along with many other awards recognizing their gift of time, energy and commitment. They also served as worthy patron and worthy matron of Eastern Star.
Earlier this year, Mr. Vilen lost his beloved wife Jeanie to Alzheimer's disease. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Mary Ellen Polhemus Carrillo.
He is survived by their four children, Carol Anne Nitsche (Seattle, WA), Donald Vilen (Seattle, WA and Palo Alto, CA), Kathryn Ulsh (Modesto), and Mary Steidel (Curtis, WA); seven granddaughters, Lori, Anastasia, Andrea, Erin, Ellen, Jennifer, and Kimberly; and four great-grandchildren, Abigail, Audrey, Caleb, and Noah.
Burial was on Saturday, Dec. 11 at Burwood Cemetery with a memorial following at Saron Lutheran Church, Escalon.
Memorial donations may be made to his favorite causes, including the Saron Lutheran Church and the Shriners' Hospital for Children; or, at your preference, a local hospice organization.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Dec. 15, 2010
