Gerda M. Aarness

Gerda Muriel (Bagstad) Aarness, 99 of Westby passed away peacefully at Lakeview Health Center in West Salem, WI. on October 15, 2023. She was born December 8, 1923, on the farm in Timber Coulee to Gilbert and Magdalene (Bakkum) Bagstad. She graduated Westby High School class of 1941 and was the class valedictorian. On June 13th, 1950 she married Clayton Aarness; they celebrated 65 years of marriage until his passing in 2015. After high school she moved to Kenosha with her close friend Maryann Nelson and worked for the U. S. government during the war. She returned to Coon Valley to work at the Coon Valley State Bank, moving to Westby when the Westby-Coon Valley State bank was established, she continued working there until her retirement in 1986.

Gerda had a lifelong love of bowling; first bowling at the Westby Bowling Center in the 40’s and 50’s then traveling to Cashton for many years for league bowling, travelling there every Thursday night rain or shine. Gerda was an avid reader, especially mystery novels. She loved crossword puzzles, and would complete the tribune crossword puzzle every day. Her knitting was well known, and she would knit at home and on the road, knitting dish rags, turning out a dish rag every day. Clayton and Gerda enjoyed taking vacations, starting with a road trip out west on their honeymoon and continuing every year after that.

They traveled around the United States first by car then by bus and train. Gerda had a love of music. With her sister Clarice they would sing and play guitar at Christian youth gatherings around Coon Valley. Her singing continued being a longtime member of the Westby Coon Prairie church choir.

Gerda is survived by her children: Bruce (Gloria) Aarness, Tomah WI, Ann (Brad) Foltz, Sugar Camp WI, and Jane (Steve) AveLallemant, Arbor Vitae WI. Three grandchildren: Laura (Ladd) Gorman, Rachel (Matt) Bieschke, and Robert (Jaymi) Foltz; and three great grandchildren: Harrison and Harper Gorman, and Collins Bieschke.

She was preceded in death by her husband Clayton; her parents; her in-law's Morgan and Ida Aarness; and her sister, Clarice Oftedahl.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 3, 2023, at Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby. Pastor Alyssa Weaver will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service with lunch to follow the service. Burial will be at a later day. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.vossfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an organization of your choice.

Gerda’s family would like to extend a special Thank You to the staff at Lakeview Health Center for the compassionate care they provided to our mother during her stay there.

Vosseteig Funeral Home & Crematory is serving Gerda's family.

708 S. Main St.

Westby, WI 54667

608-634-2100