Charles R. Vague (1921-2015)

Charles R. Vague, 94, of Wilson, Kan., passed away Dec. 11, 2015 in Salina, Kan.
He was born Sept. 13, 1921 in Wilson to Arthur and Marion (Jellison) Vague. He grew up in Wilson and graduated with the class of 1939. He went on to further his education at Salt City Business College in Hutchinson, Kan., but his plans changed after being drafted to the United States Army. After his tour of duty was complete in 1945, he returned home to Wilson where he met, fell in love, and was united in marriage to Ila Fern Kasper on June 21, 1949 at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilson. She preceded him in death Jan. 19, 2015. A lifetime resident of Wilson, he was a farmer and stockman in the Lincoln and Ellsworth County area.
Charles was a member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilson, Msgr. John F. McManus American Legion Post 262, and a former board member for the Ellsworth County Farmers Cooperative Union. He was musically blessed and played the piano and banjo in a band when he first went to college. After retiring, he continued to live on the farm and was often found tinkering in his shed.
Survivors include two sons, Michael Vague (Mai) of Wichita, Kan., and Terry Vague (Linda) of Ellsworth, Kan.; two daughters, Jeanette Koetkemeyer (Barry) of Ellsworth, Kan., Karen Peschka (Mike) of Wilson, Kan.; 16 grandchildren; and 29 great- grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Ila Fern; two brothers, Curtis and Keith; and a sister, Jean Williams.
A vigil service was rosary conducted Sunday Dec. 13, at Foster Mortuary Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial was Monday Dec. 14, 2015 at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilson with Fr. Mathew Chacko officiating. Interment followed at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery in Wilson with military rites by Msgr. John F. McManus American Legion Post 262.  
Memorials may be made to American Legion Post 262 and sent in care of the funeral home.
Condolences may be viewed and www.fostermortuary.com.