Hjalmer A. Holte

Hjalmer Alvin Holte, age 98 of Westby, died August 14, 2007 Hjalmer Alvin Holte, age 98 of Westby, passed away August 14, 2007 at Norseland Nursing Home. He was born March 8, 1909 to John and Clara (Solberg) Holte. On January 24, 1931 he was united in marriage to Hildur Swiggum. Hjalmer lived a very interesting life. In his years after his marriage he worked at Eklov Mobil as a mechanic. He bought the family farm on Lovaas Ridge in 1940 and became a farmer. When he retired from milking cows and raising tobacco he returned to his love of being a mechanic. He fixed tractors and lawn mowers for anyone who asked. When he was no longer able to drive, people would come pick him up so he could fix their machines. He is survived by his children: Verdel (Pat) Holte, Coon Valley; Joanne (LaVern) Thompson, Westby; Rachel Iverson (Richard Hooverson), Viroqua. He also is survived by his l0 grandchildren: Michael (Bonnie) Holte, Stoddard; Debra (Jim) Timm, Omaha, NE; Steven Holte, Westby; Diane (Charles) Fremstad, Westby; David Holte, La Crosse; Kathleen (Gilbert Jr.) Turben, Westby; Robert (Debra) Thompson, Wausau; Patricia (Don) Furrer, Wis. Rapids; Janice (Brian) Turben, Viroqua; and Lisa (Olaf) Leirmo, Viroqua. He is further survived by 21 great-grandchildren, 3 step-great-grandchildren, 9 great-great-grandchildren, 3 step-great-great-grandchildren, and one sister-in-law: Thelma Holte. He was preceded in death by his wife, Hildur in 2001; three brothers: Milton, Lester and Orvald; three sisters: Helen Chaffee, Iona Ostrem and Cleo Maurer. Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 18, 2007 at Country Coon Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Westby. Pastor Dennis Hallemeier will officiate with burial in the Coon Prairie Cemetery. Friends may call from 5-7 p.m. on Friday at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main Street, (Hwy. 14 South) in Westby. Friends may also call at the church on Saturday from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Westby Coon Prairie Church or the charity of the donors choice. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.