Magdalene Hagen Traastad

Magdalene Hagen Traastad, age 96 of rural Westby, passed away peacefully early Wednesday, July 26, 2006 at the Norseland Nursing Home in Westby. All of her children had just been with her to celebrate her 96th birthday. She was born to Carl and Amanda (Bratlie) Hagen on July 13, 1910. She was baptized and confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church. She graduated from Westby High School, Vernon County Normal School, and UW-LaCrosse. On June 4, 1938 she was married to Orville Gerhard Traastad from Liberty Pole and they resided on the Hagen farm west of Westby. At age 19, with male students considerably taller than their teacher, Magdalene started teaching in the one-room rural schools. She taught at Clockmaker (1929-1932), Round Prairie (1932-1936), Homstad School in Newry (1948-1953), and Leum School (1953-1957). From 1957-1975 she taught in the Viroqua Middle School. A life-long member of Our Saviors Church, she was active in Ladies Aid (WELCA), and the local blood drives. She was on the Syttende Mai planning committee and board, and was an officer with the Norseland Nursing Home Auxiliary. In addition to being a lifetime farm wife, she loved caring for her grandchildren who lived nearby. She also delighted in seeing her many past students in the community and learning from them "whats new." She took great pride in them and referred to them as "my kids." Magdalene is survived by her children: Mary (Fred) Wagner of DesPlaines, IL; Jeanne (Robert) Pierce of Portales, NM; Douglas (Karen) Traastad of Westby; Thore Traastad and Randall Traastad both of Westby. Her grandchildren include: Jeff Wagner of DesPlaines, IL; Eric Wagner of Chicago; Robb Pierce of Portales, NM; Joanna Pierce of Alexandria, VA; Kristen Traastad of LaCrosse; Laura Traastad of Madison; and Daniel Traastad of Westby. She is further survived by Debra Seekamp, many nieces and nephews and their families, other family members and many friends. Preceding her in death were her parents, Amanda in 1936, Carl in 1951, her husband on November 7, 1983, and their daughter, Pauline Amanda from polio on August 25, 1952. Magdalene was the last survivor of the eight Hagen children. Her siblings included Alice Erickson, Stella Bentson, Carol Elifritz, Leland Hagen, Olive Plamadore, Victoria Steenson, and Frances Rudrud. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2006 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Westby. Pastor Gary Daines will officiate with burial in Our Saviors Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Saturday, July 29 from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of plants and flowers the family requests memorials made to Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Westby or the Westby Area Fine Arts Foundation. We give thanks to God for her long life. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.