Obituary: Donald E. Westbury - Class of 1959

MCFARLAND - Donald E. Westbury, age 66, of McFarland, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006, at his home. He was born on July 7, 1940, in Madison, the son of Eugene and Nathiel (Hughes) Westbury. Don graduated from Madison Central High School in 1959. He served in the U.S. Army at WestPoint. Don was a steam fitter for more than 40 years. He retired from Air Temperature in McFarland in April 2006. Don was the ultimate Papa for his grandchildren. He loved spending time with his family, especially fishing with his brother, Tim. Don was an avid Packers and Badgers fan. He is survived by his six children, Alicia (Chuck Knuteson) Westbury of McFarland, Rebecca (William) Leskinen of Madison, Todd (Shannon) Westbury of Pardeeville, Tracy (Kendall) Zander of Mount Horeb, Bridget Westbury and Patti (fiance, Kyle Jorgenson) Westbury of Madison; adopted daughter, Sherry (Chuck) Coens of Madison; a brother, Tim (Glenys) Westbury; 11 grandchildren, Debbie Westbury, Michelle Knuteson, Charlie Knuteson, Devyn Westbury, Wiley Leskinen, Ethan Leskinen, Tanner Westbury, Ty Westbury, Kiera Westbury, Emily Zander and Danielle Zander; and two great-grandchildren, Brooklyn and Kaitlyn Knuteson. Don was preceded in death by his wife, Alice (Utter) Westbury; his parents; a sister, Darlene Ophiene; and a nephew, Roger Sisk. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 10 a.m., on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2007, with the Rev. David Schlieter presiding. Burial will be at Sunset Memory Gardens. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2007. Don will be greatly missed by his family and the many friends who knew him as "Dad." Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 1, 2007