Bernard 'Barney' Vilk

Bernard Barny' Vilk, 85, of Westville, passed away at 11:15pm, Sunday, April 29, 2012, at Provena USMC, Danville. He was born on August 20, 1926, in Westville, IL, the son of Stanley and Alicandria {Racfz} Vilk, both deceased. Barny was united in marriage to Dolores Hardy in Covington, IN, until her death in 2000. Those who will miss him include: his children, B.J. (Lindsey) Vilk of Dunedin, FL, J.K. (Crystal) Vilk of Paris, Jeri (Bob) Kuyrkendall of Georgetown, Linda K. Lindsey of White House, TN, Dolores (Eric) Holycross of Westville, & Julie (Jim) Bianchetta of Georgetown; his special close companion, Reva Omahen of Westville; his grandchildren, Chris Barton, Jenny Marrin, Scott Lindsey, Makenna Vilk, Nick Holycross, Cassey Holycross, Adam Vilk, EV Vilk, Cody Bianchetta, & Amanda Bianchetta; and his five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, John. Barny was a proud US Veteran of the US Army serving in WWII on the USS Anthony. He was a long-time coach, teacher, & principal with Westville School District and retired in 1986. He was a member of the Westville Depot Museum and had served on the Westville Village Board. He was a member of St. Mary's Church and attended St. Isaac Jogues Church, as well as, a member of the American Legion Post #51 in Westville. Barny was also listed on the Illinois College Wall of Fame, as well as, Illinois High School Basketball Hall of Fame. Barny enjoyed wood working, bird watching, and was a big fan of his kids & grandkids activities. He also enjoyed traveling with his companion and family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am, Friday, May 4, 2012, at St. Mary's Church, 231 N State St, Westville, with Father Sauppe officiating. Visitation will be 4-8pm, Thursday, May 3, 2012, at Sunset-Urbas Funeral Chapel, 414 S State ST, Westville, with a Rosary at 3:30pm. He will be laid to rest in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given in his name to the Westville Depot Museum.