"Joycelyn and Family, How sorry I am not to be there at this time. I enjoyed visiting with Harley when we could josh back and forth. I will always remember my "little brother" and what a delight he was to our family when we were all together. Love always, Sister June"
In loving memory of
Harley M. Westby
April 1, 1932 - March 19, 2009
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: http://videos.lifetributes.com/59522
Tributes
"We remember the good times we had with you and your family. The trip down the Mississippi was great. It is a great loss to us and other California friends. We will always miss you. Always your friends Jocelyn. Vic and Marge"
"We were so saddened to hear of Harley's passing. We enjoyed visiting with Harley & Joycelyn at the time they sold their mobile home park. It was such a fun afternoon and they are such great hosts. We will always remember Harley (the hard bargainer!) :-)"
"Joycelyn and Family, I am very sorry to hear of Harley's passing. He was a wonderful and thoughtful husband and father. My thoughts are with all of you. Jim Engstler"
"Sam & I will miss Harley."
"One of my favorite memories of Harley was on a Fall evening in 2003. He and Joycelyn had traveled through Phoenix, Arizona to spend a few days with my Husband, Chuck, and myself. After a pleasant day of sightseeing we had settled down outside next to the pool to have a cocktail and our supper. On that balmy evening Harley told stories about his early days, his Westby siblings, their life as a newlywed couple and especially about my Mother (June) as I had requested. After a lot of laughter and a few tears, I came away with many insights into the Westby family. It was truly a magical evening that we still talk about. Thanks for the memories Uncle Harley."
"I didnā??t know him as well as I would have liked to, but I know, Iā??ve never met a nicer person. My heart goes out to his family, and I want to tell them, Itā??s a 100% sure thing, Heā??s not done yet!"
"I met Harley from working with him at Hoff Funeral Home. My wife Mary and I met Joselyn and Harley several times and what nice people. We have been praying for Harley and he sure touched many, many people. Please know that Harley will be missed by many people. This is a difficult time for you and Harley will be missed. Steve Baumgart"
"Thinking of all the family in this sad time. And remembering the good times we had together. Bless you. Phyllis"
"I never did take the time to visit with you and to just talk about anything that was not shop related. I will attempt to do that now as I think about you and your family through my prayers. It was great to have known you and to have worked together. Your humility and great strength will never be forgotten."
"Thinking of your family during this time of sadness and wishing you comfort and peace! God Bless."
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. The Westby's have been good friends for many years. We remember Harley's endurance of the rigors of car show preparation and wrenching. He always maintained a steady state. We will miss him."
"Harley had such peace, he was truly inspirational. You don't often see that in those that are dying. I hope it will be a great comfort to his family to remember the unconditional love and peace he had in his heart for his family as he made his journey from this life to the next. My thoughts and prayers are with you... God Bless."
"Harley Westby, the kindest man I've ever known. I miss you!"
"Those we love don't go away, They walk beside us every day, Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear. My Blessing's are with you always."
"May it help in this time of sadness to know I am thinking of you and share your sorrow. I am so sorry for your loss. Harley's passing will be a great loss to everyone and he will be missed tremendously. Just hoping that time and the many wonderful memories you have will help ease your sorrow and console your heart. Love, Pat "
"HARLEY AND JOCELYN ARE GREAT NEIGHBORS. HE WOULD DO ANYTHING TO HELP YOU. IWILL TRULY MISS HIM . YOUR NIEGHBOR CAROL"
"Joycelyn, I'm so sorry to hear about Harley. My thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Joycelyn, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God's love bring you comfort and peace. Carol"