Ronald "Ron" Wayne Paulsrud

Ronald (Ron) Wayne Paulsrud passed away on the morning of May 30 at Gundersen Emplify Health in La Crosse,Wisconsin, due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease, which was caused by exposure to Agent Orange during his service in the Vietnam War.

Ron was born on February 24, 1948, to Jerry and Eunice (Mehlum) Paulsrud and grew up on the family farm in upper Timber Coulee, outside of Westby, Wisconsin. As the only son, he took on many responsibilities on the farm, including raising tobacco. He graduated from Westby High School in 1966 and continued working on the farm until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in March 1969. After completing training, he was deployed to Vietnam in August 1969. He served a year-long tour and was granted an “early out” in January 1971 to pursue higher education under the GI Bill.

Ron went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from UW–Stout and a Bachelor of Arts inAccounting from UW–Eau Claire. He worked as a CPA for two years in Appleton, Wisconsin, before returning to Westby. There, he served as an accountant and office manager for Great Rivers Farm Service Co-op until 1990. He then became the manager of Vernon–Crawford DHIA (Dairy Herd Improvement Association), a role he held until 2014, while also driving school bus for the Cashton School District.

On January 4, 1969, Ron married Nadine Flagler. Together they raised three children and were blessed with six grandchildren. Ron is survived by his children: Michelle (Eric) Larson, Karri (Eric) Yttri, and Ryan (Angela) Paulsrud; grandchildren: Merissa (Dylan) Hale, Dexter Larson, Austin Yttri, Kiara Yttri, Cameron Paulsrud, and Cody Paulsrud; and one soon-to-arrive great-grandchild, Baby Hale.

He is also survived by his sister, Cheryl Mossholder; sister-in-law, Geraldine Bristol Thompson; brothers-in-law, Erick (Lisa) Dickman and Donald Mattson; nieces and nephews: Sara Morris, John (Brooke) Morris, Wade Mossholder, Jenna (Dean) Antczak, Tara (Tim) Bindl, Heath (Amy) Bristol, Abbie Mattson, Erick Michael (Maleah) Dickman, and Wesley (Katie) Greenway; along with extended family and many friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Paulsrud; his mother, Eunice (Paulsrud) Wakefield; his stepfather, Earl Wakefield; his sister, Dianne (Morris) Mattson; four siblings who died in infancy; brothers-in-law: Terry Mossholder, James Morris, and Robin Thompson; and a niece, Heather Bristol.

A devoted member of the Westby community, Ron volunteered with the Westby Snowflake Ski Club, was a lifetime member of the Westby VFW, served as treasurer for both the Westby Coon Prairie Cemetery and the Westby AmericanLegion Post #155, and spent 18 years on the Westby City Council, and two years as mayor.

Ron enjoyed time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved camping, dining out, feeding and watching birds and wildlife at his many feeders, and meeting his coffee group each morning. He also cherished hunting eachNovember, his annual fishing trips to Canada, the beauty of nature, and playing euchre.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.

Funeral Services for Ron will be held Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church in Westby, with Pastor Alyssa Weaver officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in the Coon Prairie Cemetery, Westby. Family and friends are invited for visitation Monday, June 2, 2024, 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St, Westby. Visitation will also be held Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.vossfuh.com.