Wilfred William Taus was born January 6, 1930, on the family farm in Poplar Grove Township, Roseau County, the youngest son of twelve children, to William and Katherine (Kasprick) Taus. He attended the Grasslake School, located one mile south of the farm, through the 8th grade. He attended high school at the Northwest School of Agriculture (AC) in Crookston, MN where he participated in wrestling and football. Following his graduation in 1949, Wilfred returned home to work on the family farm until he was drafted into the United States Army in 1953, serving until his discharge in 1955. Following his service in the U.S. Army, he returned home to operate the family farm consisting of dairy cows, sheep, beef cattle, and small grains. Wilfred was united in marriage to Irene Kluzak, of Tabor, MN, on July 27, 1963 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Badger, MN, and the couple made their home, farmed, and raised their four children on the family farm. In addition to farming, Wilfred did some carpentry, worked at the beet plant in Drayton, ND, for a short time, and at the Wagon Wheel in Middle River, MN. He was employed at Polaris Industries for 27 years until his retirement in 1994. Wilfred enjoyed his years of retirement on the farm until entering LifeCare Greenbush Manor in January due to failing health. Wilfred passed away peacefully at LifeCare Medical Center in Roseau on Sunday, August 2, 2009, at the age of 79 years, 6 months, and 27 days. Family was of the utmost importance to Wilfred. Irene was the love of his life and being with her is what meant the most to him. He loved his children and grandchildren very much, and would often tell his grandchildren that they were "special". He looked forward to going for drives with Irene to watch deer. Wilfred enjoyed visiting with family and friends at the many functions that they attended together. He was an avid sports fan, and never grew tired of watching football, hockey, and baseball on TV. He loved listening and dancing to old time music. His other hobbies included deer hunting, ice fishing and summer fishing, snowmobiling and riding ATV's. Wilfred's faith was very important to him. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Benwood and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Wilfred was a very kindhearted man and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Irene; stepdaughter, Diane (Scott) Johnson of Little Falls, MN, children, Patricia (Harry) Ignaszewski of Greenbush, James Taus of Nicollet, MN, and Teresa (Doug) Hlucny of Greenbush; six grandchildren, Michael and Julie Sampson, Steven, Joseph, Robert, and Ryan Hlucny; a sister, Leonella (Phillip) Kotta of Roseau, MN and a brother, LeRoy (Delores) Taus of Strathcona, MN. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Wilfred was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Victor, Herman, and Raymond; six sisters, Mary Ann Stinson, Anna Hanson, Gertrude Stamper, Clara Kaml, Sylvia Chrislock, and Elaine Hanson. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 7, 2009 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Greenbush with Father Todd Arends presiding. Visitation will be held after 6:00 p.m., on Thursday, at the church, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. and Rosary to follow led by the Knights of Columbus. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Interment will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Cemetery following services.