Torkel Garret Leum

Torkel Garret Leum, age 63, of Westby, WI, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 26, 2024 at Gundersen Health System, holding the hand of his best friend and wife, Peggy.

Torkel was born on May 25, 1961, to Gilbert and Anna (Ofte) Leum. He grew up on the family dairy farm outside of Westby.

Torkel was a standout athlete for Westby High School, where he excelled in baseball, football, and wrestling. He took particular pride in winning the state championship with his 1978-1979 football team. After high school, Torkel attended the UW - La Crosse, where he played football and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education.

On June 9, 1984, Torkel married his high school sweetheart, Peggy Schultz. They recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. Torkel was an organic farmer since 1997 when he and his wife purchased the Leum Homestead in Westby to be the 4th generation owners. He sold his dairy cows in March, 2022 due to needing several joint replacements. He finally had his last joint replacement on July 9th. He was days away from purchasing his first beef cattle herd when he was diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer on November 7th.

In addition to being a devoted husband, he was also a beloved brother and uncle. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially playing a pickup game of baseball, four wheeling through the woods, playing cards, or hunting. Torkel loved to go turkey hunting in the spring and deer hunting in the fall. He always looked forward to the annual Leum Deer Camp with his brothers, nephews and other family. On November 23, he helped his wife shoot her first buck on their farm.

Torkel is survived by his wife, Peggy; his five siblings: Laura (Lee) Nerison, Lisa (Mike) Thomas, Paula Leum, Lars (Deanna) Leum, and Grant (Carrie) Leum; and Peggy’s siblings: Steven (Sandy) Schultz, Kathy Schultz, Robert (Sherry) Schultz, Jeff (Lauri) Schultz, and Sue (Brian) Mashak; and numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews who adored him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Anna Leum; his parents-in-law, Gerald and Marilyn Schultz; his nephew, Ryan Schultz; and two grand-nieces, Isabelle and Gwyneth Carl.

A special thanks to the 6th Floor Oncology department who made sure he was well taken care of in his final days.

A very special thanks to our families who were always there for him.

Torkel loved his family and was always willing to help anyone who needed or asked for help.

Rest in peace Tork, until we meet again!

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying

goodbye so hard.” — A.A. Milne

A Funeral Service for Torkel will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Westby. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 30, at Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby. Additional visitation will be held Tuesday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Our Savior's Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Vosseteig Funeral Home & Crematory is serving Torkel's family.

708 S. Main St.

Westby, WI 54667

608-634-2100