LaRue August Vihauer was born on Sept. 23, 1945 at Leola, S.D. in the home of Ann Meier an R.N. LaRue lived at home with his parents, August J. and Alma (Heupel) Vilhauer on a farm fifteen miles west and one and a fourth miles south of Leola, S.D. until his eighteenth birthday. On this day, they had an auction sale and sold the farm, livestock and machinery. He attended high school in Leola, S.D., graduating in the class of 1963.
He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for four years being stationed in Texas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Spain and New Mexico. He worked as a radio relay equipment repairman and attained the rank of Sergeant. In the fall of 1969, after being discharged with an honorable discharge, he enrolled at Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. as a full time student. After doing many different jobs from post office, radio station manager, and owning and running East Side Grocery from 1971-1973 in Redfield, SD. he went back to school at Presentation College in Aberdeen. In June of 1974 he passed the South Dakota licensing test for nursing home administrator. He became administrator-in-training at Mobridge Manor in Mobridge, SD, in the spring of 1975.
In August of 1975 he began his 30 year career with the railroad. He started as a section laborer and in a few months became a brakeman. In the fall of 1976 he and his family moved to Jamestown, ND, where he worked for BNSF as a brakeman, being promoted to conductor on June 20, 1978. He and his wife began building their family home on Skyline Drive where his children were raised.
The last years of his railroad career he lived in Nashua, MT. In 2005 he retired and spent the next 13 years spending time with his family and enjoying the sunshine with his “buddy” Betty Sexton of IL. They were always off to the next adventure. They were able to spend many winters in FL, AZ, Branson MS, Hawaii, and time in Mexico besides a few trips to Alaska.
His life was made fuller by the two roles he shined at; being a father and becoming a grandfather in 1995. He was very active in his three grandsons childhoods and was full of joy being willing to help out in anyway.
In 2018 he attended his oldest grandson’s college graduation and the previous years his second grandson’s high school graduation. The past few winters he has been able to watch many hockey games and sporting events of his youngest grandson. LaRue has been a grandfather and father figure to others as well.
He is survived by one son; Ronnie Vilhauer, of Terry, MT, one daughter; Connie V. Varela and her spouse Juan V. Varela of Butte, MT. Three grandchildren; Crecencio G. Varela, Diego E Varela, both of Butte, MT and Andrew Vilhauer of Terry, MT. One sister; Audrey Arleen Lapka of Kalispell, MT. He was preceded in death by his two sisters and two brothers, as well as his parents.
LaRue looked forward to being in Heaven with the Lord and his loved ones that are now rejoicing with him.
Pastor Tim Therrien will conduct the service. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Aberdeen, SD. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
12:00 p.m.
Monday June 17, 2019
Stervenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
12:00 p.m.
Monday June 17, 2019
Stervenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
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Jane & Les Thompson says
Dear Ronnie,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. We remember meeting him here at the church when he came to visit you.
Our love and sympathy to all the family.
Lynette and Dwight Tague says
Ron and Andrew, You are in our thoughts as you celebrate your Dad’s/Granddad’s life. We are so sorry for your loss.
Slade and Lynnette Bumgardner says
Ron, Andrew and family, sorry for your heartache. Celebrating his life is an honor that carries both sorrow and joy. We pray for your grieving hearts, for comfort in the Lord. God Bless you all during this difficult time.
Teresa Newcomer says
Sorry to hear about your Dad, Ron. Don’t believe I ever got to meet him but I know wonderful people like you don’t just happen. Take care. Teresa Newcomer
Robert and Judy Hessong says
Ronnie and Andrew,
Our hearts go out to you and Andrew at the loss of your dad /grandfather. He was a strong dad and we were privileged to meet him and be around him. He was always there for you. It is a great comfort that you will see him again in eternity. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love you both dearly.
Les and Mavis Knoepfle says
We are so sorry to hear about your Dad passing. We were looking forward to seeing him back in Eureka SD. We enjoyed his fellowship at the senior center. Leslie and Mavis Knoepfle
Dawn Draine says
Ronnie,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. Dad’s are hard to lose. Count your blessings that you had him as long as you did.
Jeanette says
Ron. I am so sorry to hear of your father’s death. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Steve & LeAnn Rhodes says
Ronnie/Andrew we are very sorry for your loss of a father and grandfather. We are so very glad to know you were close through these years sharing memories. May the Lord be with you in healing your heart from the loss of a father.