This is the story of Vince Stillman. Vince answered to many names; Vincent, Vince, Vinnie, Vindawg and V. V was an amazing man who was loved by anyone he met and now missed by all who were close. He overflowed with kindness and had a heart filled with love for family and friends.
V’s story begins on Oct. 24, 1970, the older son to Bob and Bette Stillman. Vindawg was born in Tomahawk, WI. He lived in the same house until 1994. He then moved to another home on the lake in the Township of Nokomis, where he would spend the remainder of his young adulthood and make many lifelong friends and go to school. Rumor has it, he got into a bit of trouble here and there, but looking back, it was all in fun with the boys that he cherished. Even though brothers tussle while growing up, Vince and his younger and only sibling, Craig Stillman, became thick as thieves. They discovered a common bond, they both loved sports, and especially Wisconsin sports. V was very close with his brother and often visited Craig’s family in Green Bay. They shared many of the same close friends, who connected through laughter and sports, which made life so much fun for Vince! After V graduated from Tomahawk High School, he decided to go to Stout in Menomonie, WI. He established even more lifelong buddies that remained very close to him. At Stout, he received a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Although he didn’t pursue anything specifically in this field, he did coincidentally enjoy spending time at casino hotels and restaurants. He started working for Universal Hospital Services (UHS) in 2000. He moved to Minneapolis, and then back to Wisconsin for a few years and ultimately returned to Minneapolis to establish his adult life. He had one special manager, Steve Marietti, while he was at UHS. Vincent worked in the credit industry, which is often stressful. But Steve and Vince had plenty of opportunities to laugh throughout their time together. He formed many friendships throughout his career with UHS (currently Agiliti), and finally parted ways to focus on his health in the spring of 2019.
V met the love of his life on Aug. 1, 2008. It was a blind date of sorts through Match.com. He met her at TGI Fridays. The date lasted for 8 hours. He wanted more, so he saw her again that same weekend. They were inseparable from that day forward. V and Jill reenacted their 08.01.08 every year. They would return to TGI Fridays Aug. 1, no matter what day of the week it fell. They would pretend to be meeting one another again. They knew throughout their relationship just how special they felt together and never took it for granted. They protected it faithfully, always wanting to please the other. They really did become one when they married in May 2011. Mr. and Mrs. Stillman would take long weekend trips to Vegas or Mexico. V loved to eat (it’s ok to laugh, he would agree!). He also loved to grill, cook, and go out to new restaurants. They moved a few times in the Cities, until settling down in Apple Valley. They both loved sports, spending time at the horse track, and just enjoying each other’s company the most. Simply put, wherever one was, the other wanted to be.
Vindawg was known for his love of many things; sports (the Packers especially), Pearl Jam, betting (on anything), pool time, family, friends, his dog Friday, and his wife Jill. But, above all, V learned to truly love his Lord Jesus. In the spring of 2018, amidst his sickness, he sought out a church. V and Jill found a non-denominational church, River Valley. V instantly felt connected to the church and God and was in awe of how alive the church was. The Holy Spirit filled each service. He tried to go every weekend that he was feeling well and would catch the live stream at home when he wasn’t. Vince connected to the music during worship time and the Holy Spirit touched him almost instantly. He confessed to Jesus that he was a sinner and that through his Savior’s grace he was a new person. A child of God’s. We can all be so happy knowing that V is in the company of his Creator, our Lord, Jesus Christ. One day, those who believe and have a personal relationship with Jesus will see V again. Until that triumphant day, let us all remember this amazing person. Sure-let’s cry on occasion, but let’s mostly laugh thinking of him and looking back to the fun we all had when he was with us. How lucky were we to have known this man?! Let’s laugh and laugh often. As Vince would often say, and it is now fitting, “I had a good run.”
Vincent was born on Oct. 24, 1970. He went to his forever home, where he is no longer suffering on Oct. 30, 2019. All thanks and praise to the Lord Jesus Christ!
In lieu of flowers, Jill requests donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org/donate, or through the mail at 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.
Come and share your stories with others:
Wisconsin: Friday, Nov. 8, Northwoods Vineyard Church, 418 Kaphaem Road, Tomahawk. Service 4 p.m., light dinner immediately following at Prairie Rapids, 10223 Prairie Rapids Road, Tomahawk.
Minnesota: Monday, Nov. 11, River Valley Church, 14898 Energy Way, Apple Valley, MN. Service 4 p.m., light dinner immediately following at River Valley Church.
Questions: All arrangements are being managed by Generations Funeral Home and Crematory, 1400 N. 4th Street, Tomahawk, WI, 54487.