Leroy Anderson

LeRoy Anderson, 80 of Westby, died Saturday July 5, 2014 LeRoy J. Anderson, 80, rural Westby, died Saturday July 5, 2014 at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua, WI. He was born December 18, 1933 in Monroe County to Alvin and Ella (Jothen) Anderson. He was a Korean War veteran serving in the US Navy from 1952-1956. LeRoy married Joan Ekern on October 23, 1954, at Upper Coon Valley Lutheran Church Chapel in Coon Valley. The couple farmed their entire married life in the Westby area. Over the years, LeRoy worked for Westby Farmers Union, Viroqua Eagles, Our Saviors Lutheran Church and Cashton Farm Supply. He was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church, the MOOS Club and served on church council for many years. LeRoy had a passion for Norwegian heritage and Westby Syttende Mai. He served on the board of directors several years and was president and vice-president. LeRoy was instrumental in contacting businesses face to face to gather sponsorship support for the festival and spent many hours and miles delivering the festival brochures to local and area businesses. LeRoy and Joan were Syttende Mai parade marshals in 2012. He was also a member of the Westby VFW. LeRoy and Joan were 4-H leaders for the East Ridge Beavers and showed dairy cattle in open class at the Vernon County Fair for many years. He enjoyed watching Legion Baseball, the Brewers and the Packers. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Joan; four children, Brian (Jayne) Anderson, Brent Anderson, and Lynn Anderson of Westby, WI, and Lori (John) Oppert of Soldiers Grove; nine grandchildren, Christopher Anderson, Jessica Neprud, Chad Anderson, Stacey (Brad) Gilardi, Tucker (Holly Thompson) Anderson, Cassey (Jeff) Stagg, Justin (Justine) Anderson, Brianne Anderson, and Carl (Becca) Oppert; eight great grandchildren, Taylor, Hadley, Haylee, Kallista, Hunter, Sophie, Gavin and Finnley; two brothers, Hilmer (Hazel) Anderson, Arnold (Katherine) Anderson; one sister, Lenore (Vern) Melgard; one brother-in-law, Burton Ekern; four sister-in-laws, Cleo Yttre, Eunice Goettel, Eleanor Ekern and Carol Ekern; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Raymond, Howard, Alton and Phillip; one sister, Esther Tryggestad; brother-in-laws LaVerne Tryggestad, Merlyn Ekern, Gordon Ekern, Richard Ekern and Fritz Goettel; and sister-in-laws Christine Anderson, Mildred Anderson and Ilene Ekern. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 11, 2014 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Westby, with Pastor John Dumke officiating with military honors to follow. Friends may call on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at Vosseteig Funeral Home, Westby, WI and on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of service. Online condolences may be offered at www.VossFH.com The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.