Vincent R. Tranchita, age 79, died on Monday, February 21, 2011, at Parrish Medical Center in Titusville, FL. He was born on May 9, 1931 in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of Tony and Ethel (Alderson) Tranchita. He grew up in the area known as Sunset Village. He had many memorable experiences including selling fruit and vegetables and translating for his grandfather, Vencenzo Tranchita, in the Greenbush, an Italian neighborhood in Madison. Vince graduated from Madison West High School in 1949. He served his country in the US Marines during the Korean Conflict. The experience in Korea changed his life and he proudly told all, that the United States was the finest country in the world. On the GI bill, he attended UW-Whitewater and graduated with a degree in Business Education. On July 14, 1956, he married Rose Marie Olstad at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Madison. Vince taught Business Education at Cassville High school. He then served as Executive Vice President of Wisconsin Barge Line for over fifteen years. In 1977, Vince developed Badger Barge Line, and as an entrepreneur, started several businesses in the marine equipment and transportation industry. After the death of his wife Rose on May 23, 2000, Vince was fortunate to develop a loving relationship with Marilyn R. Williams. They married on October 4, 2002, at the First United Methodist Church in Madison and have had many wonderful years together.
His door was always open and Vince believed in giving back. As a community leader, he gave his time and expertise to the Cassville School Board, Grant Regional Health Center Hospital Board, St. Charles Finance Committee and the Harbor Commission of Cassville. Vince, first and foremost, loved his family. His second love was the game of golf, and if he could, played daily with many family and friends. Vince had two holes-in-one in the same week and up until last year, was still able to shoot his age. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, and had a great respect for the outdoors. Many family and friends have enjoyed their time on his farm and cabin, located a few miles outside of Cassville. Vince could still throw a mean bean bag and if you were his Euchre partner, you stood a great chance of winning. Like his father, he also loved gardening, taking a special interest in his tomatoes. Vince cherished his many winters in Titusville, Florida, creating great memories and friendships.
Vince was the loving husband of Marilyn; and dedicated father to his children: Julie (Jerry) Skalak, Davenport, IA; Karen (Jim) Kallerud, Madison; Jenny (John) Addison, Beaver Dam; Dan (Leah) Tranchita and David (Julie) Tranchita, both of Milwaukee; step-daughter, Jewel Hernandez, Prescott, AZ; and step-son-in-law, Mark Elliott, Stroudsburg, PA. Loving grandfather to: Kate, Brian, Andrew, Anna, Carly, Zach, Lauren, Talia, Nolen and Alyssa; step-grandchildren: Jessica, Addison, Cameron, Sarah and Riza. He is further survived by his sister, Josephine Pasler, Boca Raton, FL; brothers: Don (Kathy) Tranchita, Cottage Grove; and Jerry (Shari) Tranchita, Titusville, FL.
Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife, Rose, and his step-daughter, Margaret Elliott.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 1, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church in Cassville, with Father John Meinholz officiating. Burial with military honors was in St. Charles Cemetery, Cassville. Family and friends called on Monday, February 28, 2011, at Martin Funeral Home in Cassville from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. where a 2:45 p.m. parish scripture service was held. Friends also called on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home. In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials can be made to Grant County Hospice or St. Charles Catholic Church.
We have lost a very special man. Dad, you were larger than life.
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