Norman Haakenstad, 78, of Westby passed away Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse.
Norman was born Aug. 10, 1933, to Matthew and Agnes (Kingslien) Haakenstad near Sandhill Church, rural Cashton. Norman served in the Army for a few years before marrying Norma Samuelson on Oct. 31, 1959. He worked at General Motors in Janesville from 1958–1971. When Norman retired, he moved back to the Westby area to farm and work at Nelson Muffler.
Norman is survived by his wife of 52 years, Norma of Westby; five children, Nadine (Kevin) Hall of Livermore, Calif., Norris (Margi) Haakenstad, Nolan Haakenstad and Noreen (Greg) Marsh, all of Westby, and Nikki Haakenstad of Viroqua; two sisters, Lorraine (Veryel) Gerdl of Viroqua and Ruth (Louie) Elwess of Terrebonne, Ore.; five grandchildren, Josh Hall, Shelby Marsh, Ashley Haakenstad, Austin Barnett and McKenzie Barnett; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Norman was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Mae Wiltrout; and two brothers, Lloyd and Adolf Haakenstad.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, at Brush Creek Lutheran Church, rural Cashton. Pastor Gary Daines will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 4–7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Cashton. Visitation will also be from 10 a.m. until the time of service Thursday at the church.
Online condolences may be made at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.