Earl A. Haakenson

Earl A. Haakenson, age 80 of Westby, died Wednesday evening, October 10, 2007. Earl A. Haakenson, age 80 of Westby, died Wednesday evening, October 10, 2007 at Gundersen-Lutheran in LaCrosse. He was born on September 24, 1927 in Viroqua, Wis. to Emil and Alice (Solberg) Haakenson and attended Gilbertson Rural School. He served in the U.S. Armed Forces during WWII and was a member of the Syverson-Funk American Legion and the Viroqua V.F.W. On July 12, 1952 Earl was united in marriage to Beverly L. Bergh at Trinity Lutheran Church, rural Cashton and they celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in July 2007. Earl farmed for many years and also did carpentry work, sold barn equipment and enjoyed clerking auctions. He was later employed by DHIA as a milk inspector and enjoyed his visits with the farmers and their families. He was a member of Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church, Westby Lions Club, and a life member of the Coon Valley Conservation Club. In addition to his wife, Beverly, Earl is survived by one son, Donald E. Haakenson of Westby; one brother, Mervin (Linda) of West Salem; two brothers-in-law, Howard (Donna) Bergh of Arkdale, Wis. and Arthur (Lola) Nordlie of Madison; three sisters-in-law: Carol Bjornstad of Westby, Ella Karen (Paul) Lind of Cashton, and Esther Bergh of Cashton; nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and wonderful neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents and mother and father-in law; two brothers, Russell who died in action in Korea in 1950 during the war; and Verlan and his wife Norma Jean; one sister who died in infancy; brother-in-law, LeRoy Bergh; sister-in-law, Arlene Nordlie; nephew, Richard Haakenson; niece, Gloria Haakenson; and great-niece, Stephanie Haakenson. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church with Pastor Dennis Hallemeier officiating. Burial with military rites will be in the Coon Prairie Cemetery. Friends may call on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Hwy 14 in Westby. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Westby Coon Prairie Window Repair Fund and Gundersen Lutheran Hospice. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.