Betty Homstad

Betty M. Homstad, 92, of Westby died Sunday, August 10, 2014 at the Bland Bekkedal Hospice Center. BETTY MARIE (SHREVE) HOMSTAD passed away peacefully with her family in attendance Sunday August 10, 2014 at the Bland-Bekkedahl Hospice Center in Viroqua, WI. Betty was born October 27, 1921 to Frank and Jessie (Nance) Shreve in the town of Greenwood, Vernon County, Wisconsin. All of her grandparents were pioneer settlers in that area. They came mostly from Pennsylvania and Ohio. Her Grandfather, Hezekiah Shreve served with the 1st Wisconsin in the Civil War. Betty attended Debello Christian Church, Debello rural school, Hillsboro High School and Vernon County Teachers College. At the latter she met her future husband Wilmer Homstad. They were married in October of 1942. They celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary last year. Two sons were born to them-Pastor Keith Homstad (Dr. Torild (Tweet) Homstad) of Northfield MN and Larry Homstad (Christie French) of Minneapolis/Westby. Betty taught rural schools, worked at Roehls clothing store and in the offices of Tri-State Breeders for a number of years. In 1964 the couple purchased a small farm in the City of Westby and spent 40 years bringing it back to its original beauty. With its red brick house, an orchard, blueberries, raspberries and hundreds of new trees it again became a lovely home. A small hobby of building and furnishing dollhouses grew and Betty built over 165 carefully crafted and furnished houses that are now cherished by several generations in families across the nation. She also enjoyed painting, quilting, piano, accordion and knitting. She was active as a volunteer in Our Saviours WELCA, Sons of Norway, Norseland Aux. and the Westby Historical Society. She is survived by her husband Wilmer E. Homstad of Westby; her sons and daughters -in-law, five grandchildren: Gregg Homstad (Sarah Mannes) of Yankton SD, Hans Homstad of Minneapolis, Maia Homstad (and her husband Christopher Larkin) of Minneapolis, Emma Homstad of Cambridge Mass. and Grace Homstad of Madison; three great grandchildren: Haakon (Mpls), Henry and Ellia (Yankton SD); and numerous nieces and nephews and their children. In lieu of plants or flowers, memorials may be sent to Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Westby, Vernon County Museum or Norseland Nursing Home Funeral Services will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, August 16, 2014 at the Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Westby. Pastor John Dumke will officiate with burial to follow in the North Coon Prairie Cemetery and a luncheon to follow at the Our Saviors Lutheran Church. Friends may call at the church from 1 PM till the time of the service. Online condolences may be offered at www.VossFH.com The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.