Vilas Marie Cordes, age 85, of Eitzen, Minn., died Friday, April 15, 2022, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wis., surrounded by family.
She was born March 20, 1937, at home in rural New Albin, Iowa, to Albert and Hulda (Wunnecka) Hein.
She attended primary school in a one-room schoolhouse not far from the farm and later graduated from New Albin High School. She attended nursing school in Winona and later worked as an LPN at Tweeten Lutheran Nursing Home for 32 years.
Vilas was united in marriage to Rowland Cordes on August 8, 1958. She is survived by their three children, Allan (Nancy) Cordes of Eitzen, Joan (Charlie) Betz of Eau Claire, Wis., and Brian Cordes of Eitzen. They have five grandchildren: Anne Nerbovig, Lucas Betz, and Kyle Betz, all of Eau Claire; Brandon (Krissy) Cordes of Caledonia, Minn., and Willie (fiancée Jordan Danielski) Cordes of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and three great-granddaughters: Evelyn, Eliana and Khatira Nerbovig. She is also survived by her sister Lorna (Harry) Travis of Milton, Wis., her sister-in-law Sharon Hein of Eitzen, and eight nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Norlin Hein.
In her retirement years, Vilas enjoyed quilting, traveling and spending time with family and friends. She and Rowland visited most of the 50 states, Spain, England, Germany, Ireland, and Costa Rica.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s Church in Etizen, Minn. Pastor Michael McCann will officiate. Burial will follow in the St. Luke’s North Cemetery. A visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service, Tuesday, at the church. A light lunch will be served after the service.
Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Caledonia, Minn., is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.jandtfredrickson.com.