Harlan Fremstad

Harlan Fremstad, 92 of Westby, died Tuesday, April 22, 2014. Harlan V. Fremstad, 92, of Westby died on April 22, 2014 at Norseland Nursing Home, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on April 23, 1921 to Henry and Hilda (Hanson) Fremstad. He attended Westby area schools. On November 03, 1942 Harlan enlisted in the United States Navy. Before being shipped out, he attended and graduated from the Naval Training School (electrical) at Purdue University and became a Petty Officer, Electricians Mate, third class. He would go on to serve his country honorably during World War II in the South Pacific Theater. While stationed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania he met Veronica McCaffrey at a USO dance. They were married on April 16, 1945 in Maryland. When the war ended Harlan and Ronnie returned to Westby where they settled and started a family. He worked as a carpenter for a few years until he started farming. They bought their own farm south of Westby in 1954 where Harlan and his family milked about 30 Jersey cows. He received the Outstanding Farmer of the Year award in 1956 for the Viroqua area for his innovation and foresightedness in using new conservation practices. In 1978, his son and daughter in law joined the farm operation where they expanded the herd to 55 cows. Although Harlan moved to town, he would continue to stay active in the farming operations until late in his life. In retirement, he enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers. And for the past 17 years, Harlan especially enjoyed traveling to Texas for the winters where he was able to visit two of his daughters and many grandchildren. He was a lifelong member of Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church and long time Westby American Legion Member. Harlan is survived by his four children, Christine (Robert) Goepfert, Carol (Larry) Stewart, James (Shirley) Fremstad and Maryann Jason; He was blessed with six grandchildren, James Stewart, Teresa (Jon) Olson, Jessica (Andrew) McNamara, William (Lauren), Alex, and Anna Jason; He has seven great-grandchildren Gabrielle, Kennedi, and Jett Stewart, Alex and Sadie Olson, Adeline and Hadley Jason. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Veronica; three siblings, Alden, Ada Corrine Apoian, and infant sister, Elaine. The family would like to thank Dr. Win Hlaing and the staffs at the La Crosse Mayo Clinic Health System, The Old Times Assisted Living, and Norseland Nursing Home for the wonderful care and support they gave our dad and grandfather. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 28, 2014 at the Country Coon Prairie Church. Pastor Daniel Wollman will officiate with burial to follow in the Coon Prairie Cemetery. Friends may call at the church from 10 a.m. till the time of service at 11. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.