David Alson �Al� Lane

David Alson "Al" Lane, February 23, 2005 David Alson "Al" Lane, age 94 of Westby, died early Wednesday morning, February 23, 2005 at the Norseland Nursing Home in Westby where he had been a resident since January, 1998. Alson was born on November 1, 1910 in Decatur County, Iowa to Edwin and Elvira (Barrett) Lane. Except for two years in South Dakota, he spent his childhood in Harrison County, MO. When he was a young man he moved to southern Minnesota to work as a farm hand. There he met Virginia Peterson and they were married February 9, 1941. In 1950 they bought their own farm near Trimont, MN where they lived and raised their two daughters. In 1988, after several years of retirement, they moved to Westby to be near their family. Al was a collector of antiques, particularly fruit jars and small farm equipment and tools. He went to many farm sales and continued to add to his collections. He and Virginia enjoyed traveling in their pickup camper sightseeing, visiting relatives, and going to Jar & Bottle shows around the country. He occasionally put his sizable collection of fruit jars on public display and was always happy to share his considerable knowledge about them with visitors. Baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith as an adult, Al was a faithful church member, served on council and was custodian for several years at their church in Minnesota. He & Virginia joined Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church in Westby in 1989, where he remained active until entering Norseland. Al is survived by his wife Virginia of 64 years, of Westby; two daughters, Delene (Raymond) Hart of rural Genoa, and Janet (Dennis) Letterly of rural Cashton; five grandchildren: Rachel Hart of rural Genoa, Daniel Hart of Burnsville, MN, Steven Letterly of Aurora, CO, Ryan (Jenny) Letterly of rural Cashton, and Randy Letterly of Westby; two great-grandchildren: Mercadise Ditler and Kenneth Letterly; two sisters: Ruth McDonald of Des Moines, IA and Faye Barnes of Pomona, KS; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six brothers: Otis, Bert, Leslie, Kenneth, Joseph, three sisters, Lola, Edith and Irene; and one half sister, Bessie. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at the Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church, 212 W. Park Street in Westby. Pastor Gary Daines will officiate with burial in the Bethesda Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Hwy 14 in Westby. Friends may also call at the church on Saturday after 1:00 p.m. In Lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family