Ned Barstad

WESTBY Ned Barstad, age 65, died Thursday January 18, 2018 at the Bland Bekkedal Center for Hospice Care in Viroqua. Ned Paul Barstad June 5, 1952 - January 18, 2018 Ned died peacefully on January 18, 2018 at The Bland Bekkedahl Center for Hospice Care in Viroqua after a more than two-year battle with prostate cancer. He was son to Glenn and Jeanne (Thorson); brother to Beth Patterson; husband to Betty (Cole); father to Seth (Andrea Cade), Jesse (Erin), and Abby (Sam); grandpa to Reed, Isaac, Caleb, Remi, Leo, and Itsy; companion to Lucy, his Brittany Spaniel; mentor and friend to many. He was the devoted caretaker of Norseland Nursing Home in Westby for nearly 40 years. From setting up beds in the beginning to moving residents into their rooms to being the social worker to serving as the administrator, his compassion and respect built many relationships with residents and their families as well as with the people with whom he worked. He was never too busy to share and invest in the lives of others. He was a lover of all things outdoors. Whether mushroom hunting, hunting for deer, turkeys, grouse, woodcock, or rabbits, fly fishing from his kayak, bowfishing for carp, ice fishing, camping, staying at his cabin, cutting wood, or just walking in the woods, life was an adventure to him, and living was all about the experience. He loved his grouse hunting trips to northern Wisconsin, his bear hunting trips to Canada, his hog hunting trip to Florida, and his trip to Louisiana for alligator hunting and catfish "noodling." He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a lover of The Far Side. With a memory for details, he told great stories and loved to laugh. No matter the circumstances, he could find the funny things in life, and he enjoyed sharing them with friends and strangers alike. In his words, "Life is short so cherish it and enjoy it. View life in terms of "a glass half full." Leave "the glass half empty" to others. Work in a job you are passionate about. Encourage the best in others and be a faithful friend. Take care of family because they are special. Believe strongly in God because He has given you a great life!" There will be a visitation for Ned at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Westby, 306 South Main Street, from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, January 25. A service will follow at 3 p.m., Pastor John Dumke will officiate. A private burial will be at a later date. A lunch of brats, beer, potato salad, chips, and salsa will follow the service at the Westby Community Center, 206 North Main Street. Honor his memory by wearing your favorite camouflage. Memorials can be made to the community organizations of your choice. Online Condolences may be offered at www.VossFH.com The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.