Michael James Westby

Michael Westby, age 66, of Moorhead, MN died on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at home surrounded by loved ones while receiving care through Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Michael was born to Ordean and Audrey (Rollie) Westby at Pelican Valley Health Center in Pelican Rapids, MN. The oldest of 7 boys on a farm, Mike learned the love of family and the land. After graduating from Pelican Rapids High School, Mike worked for Minnesota Valley Breeder’s Association, traveling to farms and making connections with farmers throughout the region. Mike married his high school sweetheart Pamela Halbakken in 1979 at Central Lutheran Church.  Mike and Pam built a life on their farm in Maplewood Township and raised four daughters while also working on the family dairy farm with his father and brothers.

Mike and Pam moved to Wisconsin in 2006, where he began a new career as a crop insurance adjuster.  Like his time with MVBA, this new adventure brought Mike throughout the state of Wisconsin where he formed many new friendships and trusting relationships with farmers and coworkers alike. Mike was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2012 but never let the disease define him. In 2021, he retired and moved with Pam back to Minnesota. After retirement, Mike enjoyed helping at the farm, visiting mom Audrey, attending grandchildrens’ events, and watching the Twins (even more when they were winning).

Mike loved being a grandpa (Opa) to 5 grandchildren and (too?) many grand-dogs.  He was a lifelong Twins fan and an avid deer hunter, and hunting weekends were as much about the conversations, laughter, and food as the actual hunting of deer. Mike led his life with kindness and love, building meaningful and lasting relationships wherever he went.

He is survived by his wife Pamela; daughters: Andrea (Joseph Kauffman), Tami (Jason) Johnson, Brooke (Kyle) Wormsbecker, and Monica (Joseph) Schneider; mother Audrey Westby; grandchildren: Davis and Phoebe Johnson, Reese Wormsbecker, Amelia and Genevieve Schneider; brothers: Bob (Dawn) Westby, Allen (Linda) Westby, Peter (Jeannie) Westby, Pat (Cathy) Westby, Chris (Angie) Westby; brother-in-law Tom (Becky) Halbakken; nieces and nephews: Sam (Heather) Westby, Abbie (Derek) Savage, Lucas (Sarah) Westby, Kate (Abe) Campos, Kristin (RJ) Westby, Haley (Alex) Westby, Isaiah Westby, McKenna Westby, Chris Halbakken, Travis Halbakken; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his father Ordean Westby, brother Steve Westby, goddaughter and niece Faith Westby, parents-in-law Homer and Marge Halbakken, and multiple beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Visitation: Saturday, September 2, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids, MN.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 2, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids, MN with Allen Westby, S.A.M. officiating. 

Interment: Central Lutheran Cemetery, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota   Please keep Michael's family in your thoughts and prayers.