He died on Wednesday, July 28, at Appleton Medical Center after a 1 1/2-year battle with cancer.
Born at Morgan in Oconto County, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William (Lena Birr) Champeau. He began working at his parents Riverside Cheese Factory in Beaver at an early age, and after the eighth grade drove milk truck for the factory. Later he worked on the power lines and then began his professional semi-truck driving career for Kust Trucking and Chadwick's Mfg. of Coleman. From 1951-53 he served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict. In 1954, he married the former Arlene Behrend of Porterfield, and beginning in 1963 the couple owned and operated Champeau's Tavern and Garage, including a towing serving. In 1976, they sold the business and he began driving semi-trucks for Fleet Farm of Appleton. His handle was "Big Vic." After retiring, he continued to drive semi's for Truck Country of Kaukauna which he enjoyed doing.
He was an active member of community organizations such as the Coleman-Pound Rescue Squad, Marinette County Auxiliary Sheriff's Deptartment, 50-Year member and past commander of the Kalbes-Seewald American Legion Post #280, VFW and 40 et 8. He was a member of St. Thomas More Parish in Appleton and enjoyed playing cards, pool and darts.
Survivors include his wife; four daughters, Mrs. Joe (Bon-nie) Hall, Mrs. Chris (Janice) Lavarda and Mrs. Gerald (Lana) Mader, all of Appleton, and Cindy Champeau (fiance Jim Gaffner) of North Fond du Lac; six grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Lynn (Iva) Lichterman, Appleton; a brother, Robert (Alice) Champeau of Pound; seven nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Fay; one granddaughter, Dani Johnson; and a nephew, Jerry Lichterman.
Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home of Coleman assisted the family with arrangements.