Francis Dominic Vilmain

A funeral mass for Francis Vilmain was said at the St. Francis Cathedral in Santa Fe on Tuesday, March 29, 2005, with internment at the National Cemetery. A rosary was said at the cathedral on Monday. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a memorial in his name: Frank Vilmain Memorial Fund c/o University of Northern Iowa, 205 Commons, Cedar Falls, Iowa, 50614.

Francis Dominic Vilmain, 81, Santa Fe, N.M., formerly of Lake Viking, died at his home on March 24, 2005.

He was born in Eagle Grove, Iowa, on May 4, 1923. After retiring in 1988, the Vilmains moved from Cedar Falls, Iowa, to Lake Viking. Five years ago they moved to Santa Fe, N.M. to be near family.

Mr. Vilmain was educated at Iowa State University, Iowa State Teachers College, University of Wyoming, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.

He served in the Navy in World War II.

Mr. Vilmain taught physics at Rodman High School in Rodman, Iowa, and West High School in Waterloo, Iowa, and for 23 years at the University of Northern Iowa where he was honored as Teacher of the Year in 1987. He introduced the first computer to UNI in the last 60s, and the first internet server for the university was named “Frank” in his honor.

He was a member of Sigma Pi Sigma, Knights of Columbus, and Lions Club.

Mr. Vilmain was a parishioner at St. Francis Cathedral in Santa Fe.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leon and Josephine who immigrated from France in 1902 and three brothers and three sisters

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ruth Ellen Lewright; his brother Richard of Eagle Grove, Iowa; eight children; Suzanne Smith, Jean Caffrey, Steve, Mike, Judy Barrett, Teresa, Jim, and David; 11 grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.