Michael Allen Westby

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of our husband and dad, Michael Allen Westby.

Memorial services will be held Friday, June 24, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Michael's home near Dawson, 2704 150th St., Dawson, MN 56232. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Lac qui Parle County Pheasants Forever or Lac qui Parle County 4-H Livestock Board. Arrangements are with Hanson & Dahl Funeral Home in Dawson.

Michael Allen Westby was welcomed into the world on October 28, 1950 in Dawson, Minnesota to parents Albert and Phyllis (Kostad) Westby.  He was baptized into faith at Trinity Lutheran and confirmed at Grace Lutheran.

Mike grew up on the Westby family farm south of Dawson playing on, in, and around the river, helping his dad and great-uncle Christ around the farm, fishing with his Grandpa Kostad, enjoying family celebrations with his Plate, Kostad and Haverberg families, and at dirt tracks racing cars with cousin Bruce Twite.  

Mike graduated from Dawson High School in 1968.  Following high school he attended college in Marshall at Southwest State University and was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  Mike trained as a medic in the U.S. Army at Fort Huachuca, Arizona.  He completed his military duty with the Dawson National Guard. He resumed his education at the Canby Vo Tech in Ag Management. Upon his return to Dawson, Mike met his future wife, Beth, at Dale’s Drive-In where she was a carhop.  Mike and Beth were married at St. James Catholic Church on November 16, 1974.  This union was blessed with two daughters, Tobi and Mackenzie.  

Mike was employed at the Lac qui Parle Co-op Fertilizer plant.  Following that he drove for Con-Way Freight for 19 years, retiring in 2018.  He also spent time farming the family land and raising cattle.  Michael was a former board member of the LQP Pheasants Forever Chapter, as well as the LQP 4-H Livestock board.   

Mike had many hobbies in life that kept him busy.  He made numerous fishing trips with friends and family to the Missouri River trying to catch the perfect walleye and to Port Washington, Wisconsin on Lake Michigan hooking salmon.  Fall weekends brought Michael to the tall prairie grasses with his beloved golden retrievers, Megan and Sienna, hoping to flush up ring-necked roosters. Much to the dogs’ frustration, the birds often flew away avoiding any bird shot intended for them!  Michael also had a love of model trains, and UPS drivers made frequent trips delivering pieces for his collection.  Mike and Beth loved to travel and enjoyed seeing the country with friends learning about United States history.  He was also quite the pie baker and enjoyed making apple and pumpkin pies for holidays.  Hosting friends and family on “The Porch”, was also Mike's favorite way to spend summer evenings.  

Of all his interests, Michael took the most enjoyment in spending time with his four grandchildren. Grandpa Mike was often found at sporting events, 4-H livestock shows, school programs, and was even learning to enjoy dance recitals and gymnastic competitions. His heart was full of love and pride for each one of them.

Michael passed away on June 11, 2022, surrounded by his family.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Phyllis; sister, Kathryn Nelson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gene and Donna Maiers; and brothers-in-law, Ronald Plate and Michael Maiers.  

Mike is survived by his wife of 47 years, Beth of Dawson, MN; daughters, Tobi (Gary) Kemen of Dawson, MN, and Mackenzie (Nathan) Petersen of Alexandria, MN; grandchildren, Landon and Hattie Kemen and Cora and Vivienne Petersen; sister, Alice Westby of Jacksonville, AR; aunt,  Helen Haverberg of Madison, MN; brothers-in-law, Rob (Vicki) Maiers and Tom Maiers, sisters-in-law, Laurie Plate and Sue Tuff; and many nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.    

Mike will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.