Norman J. Melby

Norman J. Melby, age 97 of Westby, died Wednesday, April 15, 2015. Norman J. Melby, age 97 of Westby, died Wednesday, April 15, 2015 surrounded by family at the Vernon Memorial Hospital. He was born on October 26, 1917 on the home farm, the son of Helmer and Rocelia (Larson) Melby. He was baptized, confirmed and a life-time member of North Coon Prairie Lutheran Church at Newry. On April 11, 1944 he was united in marriage to Valborg Nelson at the church parsonage in Cashton by Pastor Hjermstad. Norman was a farmer all his life and lived his entire life on the family farm. He served on numerous area farm co-op boards and also on the NCP Church Council. He did custom silo filling and sold farm insurance for many years. He is survived by four children: Alene (Allen) Olson of Lake Delton, Roger Melby of Westby, Harlan (Delores) Melby of Westby, and Dennis Melby of Coon Valley; four grandchildren: Ingrid (Brian) Frank of Mt. Horeb, Wade Olson (Vicki Kipp) of Oregon, WI, Jeremy Melby (Kim McGregor) of Westby and Ben Melby of Westby; four great-grandchildren: Kiersten, Ethan, Hunter, and Tyler; one niece, Shirley Gates; two sisters-in-law: Delaine Jefson and Inez Navrestad; other relatives, friends and church family. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Valborg on August 8, 1991; one brother Leon (Adlyn) Melby; sister-in-law, Lenore Stenslien; brother-in-law, Odell Nelson; and In-laws Nordahl and Maren Nelson. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at North Coon Prairie Lutheran Church. Pastor John Stennes-Spidahl will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Hwy 14 in Westby. Visitation will also be held at the church one hour prior to the service. Online condolences may be offered at www.VossFH.com. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be made to the North Coon Prairie Lutheran Church. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.