Myron C. Storbakken

Myron Curtis Storbakken 91, of rural Westby died Thursday Feb.2 at his home in the company of his children. He was born May 18, 1920 on the family farm of his parents Henry and Malla Storbakken.

Myron's life was marked by the unflinching acceptance of daunting responsibilities. He was the oldest male in a family of 7 when his father died in 1932. The depression in full force, a devastating multi year drought and no social safety net, at 11 years of age, Myron quit school and took over the farm. It succeeded. Myron married the love of his life Kathleen on November 13, 1947.

The couple ran a grocery store/tavern/gas station in Exland for 4 years. They then farmed the rest of their married life in rural Westby.

Myron read voraciously. He was amazed by the vastness of the universe, advances in science and all the amazing details of the natural world.

Myron was a lifelong member of Coon Valley Lutheran Church and was also very involved in the reclamation and restoration of the buildings at Norskadalen.

Survivors include a daughter Patti Bollinger who has been living and caring for him on the farm since the death of his adored wife Kathleen; son Michael lives in Seattle; 2 grandsons Karta Khalsa of Des Moines, Iowa and Dashmesh of Phoenix, Arizona; a sister Evangeline Sykalski of Milwaukee and sister Helen Sutton of Dayton Ohio. Myron has nieces and nephews living around the country. His much loved sister-in-law and husband, Judy and Norman Thorson live on a farm in Exland Wisconsin.

Myron was preceded in death by his wife Kay, 3 brothers Henry, Gunnar and Trygve, and his sister Marion.

Memorial services will be held at 11 AM Thursday Feb. 9, 2012 at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. Rev. Mitzi Miyamoto will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 10 am until service time with a lunch to follow. Memorials may be given to the Coon Valley Lutheran Church.