Orbeck Leroy Christianson

Orbeck LeRoy Christianson, age 86 of Westby, died Monday, May 15, 2006 at the Norseland Nursing Home in Westby. He was born on June 14, 1919 in the township of Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin to Oscar and Anna Marie (Knutson) Christianson. On May 29, 1943 he was united in marriage to Gladys Kraabel. Orbeck was a farmer and was a member of the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church where he served on the board of trustees and was an usher. He had also been a supervisor for the Viroqua Township as well as a school board member for Seas Branch Rural School. Orbeck was also a member of the Westby Lions Club. In addition to his wife, Gladys, Orbeck is survived by two children: Rita Christianson of Hokah, MN and Loren (Jane) Christianson of Raynham, MA; two grandchildren: Eric (Monica) Christianson and Amy (Rich) Rumrill; three great-grandchildren: Jack Rumrill, Cole Christianson and Max Christianson; one sister, Iva Lysne of Blooming Prairie, MN; three sisters-in-law: Bernice Christianson Maxine Kraabel, and Jeanette Knutson; two brothers-in-law: Harlan (Arlene) Kraabel and Burton (Gloria) Kraabel; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Gerald; four brothers: Harvey, Waldo, Orvis and Raymond; one sister, Alice; five brothers-in-law: Ken Lysne, Kenneth Kraabel, Allyne Kraabel, Arvid Rude and Mike Knutson; and two sisters-in-law: Ruby Christianson and Verna Christianson. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 19, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church. Pastor Dennis Hallemeier will officiate with burial in the Coon Prairie Cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Hwy 14 in Westby. Friends may also call at the church on Friday after 10:00 a.m. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.