“When you are part of a community, you ought to participate” is the philosophy Vic Emilson shared with family and friends. And participate he did, to a degree that few have had the commitment, energy and ability to match. A native of Viroqua, Wisconsin, Victor A. Emilson was a graduate of Carroll College who came to Beloit in 1928 as a business manager for Beloit College, a position he held for 36 years, including the trying times of “The Depression and World War II.”

By the time of his death, on May 28, 1996, at the age of 97, he had left his permanent and individual mark on Beloit. He was a man described by those who knew and worked with him as a true gentleman, quietly working for the good of his community and seeking no praise or credit for his many examples of service for which he is known and honored. Mr. Emilson served Beloit as a member and president of the City Council. He was a charter member of the Association of Commerce’s Ambassadors Club and his service in a host of civic-betterment organizations and worthy causes included leadership in the Boy Scout movement, Salvation Army, United Givers Fund, Jaycee’s, the city’s Equal Opportunities and Housing Commissions and the Greater Beloit Committee.

Holding key leadership roles in Masonry for more than 60 years he was past master of Beloit’s Morning Star Lodge No. 10 and a devoted member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. A longtime director of the Beloit Building & Loan Association, which later became the Rock Savings Bank and now is known as First Federal, he also served on the Beloit College Credit Union Board. This modest citizen was acknowledged by his community with well-deserved recognition as Association of Commerce Chairman of the Year, Ambassador of the Year, Beloit Booster Award, Caleb Blodgett Award and numerous other honors from grateful organizations such as the Salvation Army, United Givers, Jaycees, his church and the Masonic Lodge.

Mr. Emilson’s wife, Nora, preceded him in death shortly after they observed their 65^th wedding anniversary and a son, Richard, also predeceased him. His survivors include a daughter, Karen Clarey