Hiram Robert Lund

Hiram Robert Lund, 82, passed away on August 14, 2024, peacefully with his family by his side. While his life concluded after a valiant 2-year battle with lung cancer, his enduring legacy is one of unwavering devotion as a family man, a cherished friend, a steadfast mentor and a reliable presence in the lives of those who knew him.

Born and raised on a farm in rural Minnesota, Hiram’s life was steeped in the rhythms of the land. By the young age of 6, he was driving the tractor, eager to be part of the farm’s daily chores, whether feeding his hogs and the cattle or helping his father with the grain harvest. He reflected on these early experiences, saying he was “destined to be a farmer and probably should have been one.” He always had a knack for farming, and his stories of childhood adventures with his cousin Jerry Hammer, who lived just a quarter mile away, were pure and authentic. Together, they built rafts, fished, rode horses and concocted mischievous plans between their two farms.

Hiram attended school in Milan, Minnesota, and graduated in 1959. He excelled in sports, sang in the church and school choirs, and even tried his hand at the piano, cornet and baritone, though eventually gave them up as he joked that “practicing wasn’t my forte.” He attended Concordia College in Moorhead, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Economics, with a minor in Mathematics. It was there that Hiram honed his guitar skills, serenading friends and wrestling with his college buddy, Al Smaagaard. Although he started wrestling to prove his prowess from schoolyard scuffles, he quickly realized the competition had a bit more experience, but this didn’t deter him; he later became a successful wrestling coach at Westby High School.

Hiram’s teaching career brought him to Westby, Wisconsin, where he taught mathematics and eventually became an assistant principal. His tenure in education was marked by coaching success, including leading teams to numerous victories and state tournament appearances. His passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom, exemplified by his willingness to barter English lessons with a childhood farmhand from Norway in exchange for Norwegian lessons—a skill that served him well on his 1999 trip to Norway with his daughters.

After a fulfilling career in education, Hiram transitioned to the private sector, becoming the general manager at Howard Johnson’s Enterprises and later at Cashton Farm Supply and a sales manager at E.C. Grow. His leadership and dedication contributed significantly to the success of these companies.

Hiram was a man of many interests and talents. He enjoyed fishing trips to Alaska with brothers-in-law he affectionately called “the Outlaws,” where tall tales and good humor were as abundant as the fish. He was also a proud member of the Coon Valley Lions Club, where he held every office at least once and maintained a perfect attendance record for decades. He enjoyed playing cards, landscaping projects, golfing, boating and getting coffee with friends. As a youth, he enjoyed a stint in Boy Scouts, until he was old enough to realize, “I was more of a girl scout.” Hiram had a knack for old-fashioned fun, and even a Brandy old fashioned.

Above all, Hiram’s greatest joy was his family, a triumph largely due to the unwavering support and love of his wife, Sally. Hiram met Sally in Mankato, Minn., while pursuing his master’s degree, and together they built a life in the Westby area. Sally dug deep into the traditions of Hiram’s Norwegian upbringing and seamlessly found her place in a community where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average. Together, they raised four children—Kate, Erin, Betsy, and Jon Henry—whom he described as “the gleam in my eye and the best happenings in my lifetime, bar none.”

Hiram and Sally’s 9-acre hobby farm was the backdrop for many memorable moments, not least of which was his ingenious method of recruiting help. In his quest to raise tobacco, he enlisted his in-laws and children as his reluctant and low-paid labor force. While he joked about their compensation being a roof over their heads and a can of pop, his family knew it was all part of the charm of working alongside Hiram. Farm chores turned into family bonding experiences, leaving behind no shortage of family stories to laugh about.

Hiram will be dearly missed by all who knew him, but his spirit will live on in the stories and laughter he leaves behind. With heartfelt appreciation, we would like to thank Mayo Clinic Hospice nurses, staff and chaplain for their devoted care in our time of need; the team of medical providers at Mayo Clinic who offered their expertise and top-notch cancer care; Pastor Alyssa for unwavering support in prayer and hugs; Donna and Roger Harris for Hiramsitting when called upon; Vosseteig Funeral Home for your helping hands as we move forward; all our friends and family who made a visit, sent a letter, made a phone call or sent a silent well-wish from their heart. Each one was felt and mattered.

He is survived by his wife, Sally Lund; his children, Kate (Thomas) Herlitzke of Maple Grove, Minn., Erin Enter of Viroqua, Wisc., Betsy Lund (Andrew Schroeder) of Kodiak, Alaska, and Jon (Kathryn) Lund of Rochester, Minn.; and his grandchildren, Kylie Trimbo, India, Kaleb and Sevy Enter; Haakon and Doris Schroeder; Emma, Olivia and Maggie Lund; and granddog Maia Herlitzke. He is also survived by his siblings, Maxine Tostenson, Robert Lund and Paul Lund; and many nieces and nephews. Hiram was preceded in death by his parents, Iver and Blenda Lund; brother-in-law, Arthur Tostenson; and nephew, Andrew Tostenson.

A funeral will be held at Country Coon Prairie Lutheran Church on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. The visitation is 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a service beginning at Noon. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.vossfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church, Country Coon Prairie Lutheran Church, Coon Valley Lions Club or the Norse Fund, reflecting Hiram’s commitment to community and helping others.

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

708 S. Main St.

Westby, WI 54667

608-634-2100