Fred Jefson

Frederic “Fred” Jefson, 81, of Westby passed away on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at Vernon Memorial Hospital, Viroqua, Wisconsin. He was an amazing father and brother and will be truly missed.

Fred was born on May 14, 1941, in La Crosse, Wisconsin to Drexel Jefson and Rachel Sveum. He graduated from Westby High School in 1959, and then he attended St. Olaf College and received a Bachelor of Arts in May of 1966.

He married Leona “Lee” Fae Niles on December 1, 1971. Fred and Lee spent their lives living between Nebraska and Florida. Fred had many talents and when he lived in Nebraska, he worked and owned his own business as a Commodities Broker in Omaha, Nebraska. He had this business for many years but when his father Drexel passed away, he and Lee moved to Florida. While in Florida, Fred started his job with St. Lucie County Property Appraisers’ office where he stayed for over 20 years. During his years as a Deputy Appraiser, he earned many awards and recognition for his dedication to his state service. He was active officer and member of the Property Appraisers Association of Florida.

Upon the passing of his wife Lee in 2014, Fred returned to his home town of Westby, Wisconsin. This is where he reunited with his childhood sweetheart, Nancy Lovstad of Westby, and he was a great addition to her family. He was happy to return to Westby where he became very involved in the area’s activities, especially the Westby Area Historical Society. He was the Vice President of the Historical Society board and was instrumental in developing the military room in the Thorson House.

Survivors include: two children, Jarae Szydlowski and husband Mike of Summerville, SC and Craig Kusel of Alameda, CA; two sisters, Kathy Bakken of Rougemont, NC and Kris Erickson and husband Jeff of Springfield, MO; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Fred is preceded in death by his wife, Leona; son, Bradley; and parents Rachel and Drexel Jefson.

A celebration of life will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Bekkum Memorial Library in Westby.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Westby Area Historical Society in Fred’s memory.

Vosseteig Funeral Home & Crematory in Westby is serving Fred's family.
708 S. Main St.
Westby, WI 54667
608-634-2100