Alden T. Fremstad

Alden T. Fremstad, age 86 of Westby, died Monday, February 23, 2009. Alden (Frem) Fremstad, age 86 of Westby, died Monday, February 23, 2009 at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua. He was born on July 1st, 1922 to Henry and Hilda Fremstad. He graduated from Westby High School. On February 2, 1957, he married Audrey Delaine Larson. They had two sons, Mike (married to Merna Bolstad) and Chuck (married to Diane Holte). Alden was blessed with six grandchildren, Jason (Heidi), Jory, and Jeana, Kelly (Brooks Volden), Jared, and Justin Fremstad. He has five great- grandchildren, Grant, Grace, Hannah, Ellie Fremstad, and Siri Volden. Frem lived and worked in Westby his entire life. He was a full-time employee of the City of Westby until 1993, was a volunteer fireman, and acted as Fire Chief for many years. Frem had always been involved in agriculture and was a Charter Member of the Westby FFA. He farmed part-time with his father Henry, and still farmed in partnership with his son Mike. He continued to raise a small crop of tobacco each year with the help of his family, and just recently delivered his 2008 crop. Upon retiring, his time was split between farm work, family, and many organizations which he enjoyed. Many hours were spent volunteering for the Westby Snowflake Ski Club, and he was presently making plans to attend a World Ski Flying Competition in Planica, Yugoslavia in late March. Interests also included the Coon Prairie Preservation Society, The Western Wisconsin Agricultural Museum, and Norskedalen. He spoke fluent Norwegian and enjoyed acting as a tour guide for many Norwegian visitors. He was a member of the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church, the Wisconsin and Vernon County Jersey Breeders, and the Westby FFA Alumni. Frems collection of antique toys and tractors was an impressive one. His accumulation of collectible series toy tractors and machinery numbered in the hundreds, but his real pride was in his more than sixteen restored John Deere two cylinder tractors. He enjoyed displaying them whenever he got a chance at such events as Syttende Mai, Norskedalen, Antique Engine events, local Twilight meetings, and dairy breakfasts. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Audrey; and an infant sister, Elaine. He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law; six grandchildren; five great grandchildren; a brother Harlan, and a sister, Corrine. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 27, 2009 at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church. Pastor Julie Wollman will officiate with burial in the Coon Prairie Cemetery, rural Westby. Friends may call on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main Street (Hwy.14 S) in Westby. Friends may also call on Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.