Joel Volden

WESTBY Joel P. Volden, age 85, died Wednesday March 15, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family. Joel was born April 1, 1931 to Hjalmer and Palma (Hansen) Volden in Westby. He went to school through the 8th grade and then stayed and helped his father on the farm, and numerous other farms, before enlisting into the U.S. Air Force in 1951. During the Korean War he was stationed in Iceland. He was an Air Police Patrol Officer. Joel was honorably discharged on October 23, 1955. He was very proud to have served his country. Later he was fortunate to have taken a Freedom Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in May of 2016, which he enjoyed tremendously. On June 1, 1956 Joel and Loretta Olson were united in marriage in Caledonia, MN and they resided in Vernon County all their married life. Together they farmed during the early years of their marriage. He then worked for Peter Nelson & Sons in construction. Joel then went to work for himself in construction, and numerous jobs in between. Later in life Joel was the manager for Vernon Estates mobile home park. And later worked for the Viroqua Schools until he was forced to retire due to his health. Joel was a member of the Vang Lutheran Church. To the union of his marriage to Loretta, 10 children were born; Rick (Shari) Olson, Linda Turner, Pam (Steve) Greenwood, Carol (Mike) Fish, Brian (Linda) Volden, Randy (Lisa) Volden, Michael (Rhonda) Volden, Kevin (Diane) Volden, Lori (Scott) Elmore, and Lisa (Mark) Tulley. Joel is survived by; nine of his children, two brothers; Robert (Joy) Volden of Westby and Gerald Volden of Viroqua and his baby sister Debbie (Howard) Keenlance of Viroqua. He is further survived by 39 grandchildren, 88 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren, as well as by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Joel was preceded in death by; his wife Loretta, his son Rick, his parents, a daughter-in-law Debbie, two great-grandsons; Matthew Keenlance and Matthew Volden. Also preceding him were his brothers; Howard, Donald and Lester and his sisters; Lois (Lorrin) Oliver, Barbara (Kenneth) Nyhus and Lilian (Martin) Willger. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church in Westby. Pastor Dan Wollman and Rev. George Shick will officiate with burial in the Vang Cemetery including Military Rites. Friends may call on the family during a Visitation Friday March 17, 2017 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Hwy 14 in Westby. Online condolences may be offered at www.vossfh.com The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.