Harland Kraabel

Harlan Kraabel, 86, of Westby, died Tuesday, March 17, 2015. Harlan J. Kraabel, age 86 of Westby, died Tuesday, March 17, 2015. He was born on Sept. 18, 1928 to Bernard and Claudia (Berger) Kraabel. In 1954 he was united with Arlene Swenson into a marriage that would last more than 54 years. He farmed, worked on a Mink Ranch and then worked for Vernon County Highway Dept. starting in 1964 and retired in 1993. He enjoyed playing the accordion and playing cards and dice. Harlan was a giving person, always willing to help others and during retirement he sold night-crawlers. Harlan is survived by his children: Gary (Lana) Kraabel of Janesville, Dennis (Carol) Kraabel, Darlene Kraabel, Jerry "Butch" Kraabel and David Kraabel, all of Westby; 10 grandchildren: Jason, Travis, Jamie, Derek, Kimberly, Denise, Ryan, Jay, Dustin, Cody; 7 great-grandchildren: Zach, Alexa, Landon, Destani, Lilly, Cord, Tenley; two sisters: Gladys Christianson and Jeanette Knutson; four sisters-in-laws: Gloria Kraabel and Maxine Kraabel, Mary (Stanley) Stevenson, Pat Swenson; one brother-in-law Phil Paradise; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Arlene on Aug. 19, 2009; and siblings: Harland LaVerne (died at age 3), Raymond (died as infant), Hazel (died as infant), Burton, Allyne, Kenneth Blessed be our memory of Harlan J. Kraabel. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 23, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church in Westby. Pastor Daniel Wollman will officiate with burial at Bloomingdale Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main (Hwy 14) Westby on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. and at the church on Monday one hour prior to the service. Online condolences may be offered at www.vossfh.com The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.