Harley M. Westby

HOUSTON, MINN. - Harley M. Westby, 76, of Houston, MN died on Thursday March 19th, 2009 at home with his family by his side, after a 2 year battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Harley was born on April 1, 1932, at home, on Oak Ridge to Christian and Sarah (Houge) Westby. He was raised in Houston and attended Houston High School graduating in 1950. Harley served as an MP for the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, was stationed in Trieste Italy. He was a member of Arnet-Sheldon American Legion Post 423 in Houston. Harley was joined together in marriage to Joycelyn Benson in Houston on June 18, 1955. He worked as an Operating Engineer, operating Heavy Equipment for over 35 years and received his 40 year pin from the IUOE Local 49. Harley was past Worthy Master of the Mystic Circle #78 Masonic Lodge and received his 50 year pin, a member of the Zurah Temple of the Shriners, and a member of the congregation at the Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston. He enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, traveling, working the many part time jobs and spending time taking care of his home of 47 years.Harley is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Joycelyn; two sons: Tom (Tammy) of Rochester, MN, Steve (Holly) of Maple Grove, MN; one daughter, Shari (Fred) Wuensch of LaCrosse WI; four grandchildren: Derek, Katti, Nick and Krystal; one brother, Charles (Joey) Westby of Houston; and two sisters: Margie Sather of Houston and June Appinel of San Jose, CA.He is preceded in death by his parents, and brother Vernon. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston with the Revs. Lane Zaffke and Louise Stromberg co-officiating. Burial will be in the Stone Church Cemetery in Houston with military honors by the Arnet - Sheldon American Legion Post of Houston. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday at Hoff Funeral Homes - Houston Chapel where there will be a Masonic Service following the visitation. There will also be one hour of visitation prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Please leave a memory of Harley, sign his online guestbook and view his tribute video when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/59522