Emil C. Hlaus was born in Wilson, Kansas on June 9, 1916 to Joseph and Anna (Vopat) Hlaus. Emil attended Wilson Public Schools and graduated in 1935. Learning a strong work ethic from his Czechoslovakian immigrant grandparents, and from his parents, Emil helped his father on his 800 acre farm near Wilson. Emil entered the service July 15 1941. He was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri and later at Fort Ord, California. Emil went overseas in December 1941 and served with the 1397th Army Constructions Engineers in the Pacific Theater. While stationed in Hawaii, Emil was fortunate to see and spend time with his brother, Albert, who was also serving in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater. After his discharge at. Ft. Logan, Colorado on October 15, 1945, Emil returned to Wilson where he was a farmer/stockman in the Hell Creek area near present day Wilson Lake. Emil was a proud member of the Wilson American Legion and for many years decorated veteran's graves on Memorial Day. Emil died March 7, 2002 and is buried in the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery.