Willard Lee Westad, 43, of Maddock, ND, died Wednesday, September 19, 2012, from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.  Funeral services will be Monday, September 24th, 2012,  1:00 PM at Leeds Lutheran Church with Pastor Richard Budd officiating.  Burial will be in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Maddock.  Visitation will be Sunday from 4 to 7pm with a 7pm Prayer Service at the Nelson Funeral Home in Maddock.  Casket bearers will be:  Dan Bonderson,  Jr. Logan,  Gene LaMotte,  Scott Smith,  Jon Hermanson,  Curt Heilman,  Cory Heilman,  Mark Williams,  Bob Beranek,  Mark Lysne,  Kenny Richter, Mark Wack and Dale Pfeifer.  Music will be from Kathy Melaas, soloist with Paula Duren, pianist.

Willard Lee Westad was born March 31, 1969, at Cando, ND, to Willard and Gladys (Gray-Johnson) Westad.  He was raised on the family farm in Albert Township, rural Maddock.  Willard attended the Maddock Public School, graduating in 1987.  He then attended Lake Region College in Devils Lake, graduating in 1989 with a degree in Agriculture.  Willard farmed, raised cattle and worked for a time at Lake Region Grain in Devils Lake.  He also had worked at the Rugby and Devils Lake Sale Barns, Strata Concrete in Devils Lake, trucked cattle and also worked for Sally Ebach in Minnewaukan.  Willard married Denise McGath at Leeds Lutheran Church.  Willard graduated from Auctioneering School in Mankato, MN in 2007 and purchased the Esmond Locker in 2008. Along with his wife and sons, he operated the Westad Auction Company and the Esmond Locker until his death.

Willard was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Maddock and upon its closure, became a member of St. Petri Lutheran Church rural York, where he had served a term as president of the Leeds parish.  He was a member of the Esmond Volunteer Fire Department and had served on the Albert Township board.  Willard had been a member of a team roping circuit and pool league.  He enjoyed dancing, welding and building things.  During his youth he played basketball and had received many awards as a member of 4H and FFA.

Surviving are his wife:  Denise;  sons:  Kaleb and Kyler at home;  sisters:  Carol (Everl) Erickson of Fargo,  Doreen (Gary) Clock and Kathie (Tim) Eslinger both of Minot and Vonnie (Roger) Quam of Devils Lake;  mother and father-in-law:  Delores and Duane Wilcox of Devils Lake;  brothers & sister-in-law:  Greg (Cathy) McGath, Ken (Wonda) McGath,  Camille Anderson and Steve (Tracy) McGath all of Devils Lake;  uncle and aunts:  Donald Gray in Washington State,  Judy (Phil) DePlazes of Cando,  Lois Korth of Qlintonsville, WI and Ruth Huie of Bedford, TX; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Willard was preceded in death by his father in 1985,  mother in 1994 and his grandparents.





Condolences:

You always were a crazy and fun guy. I am only sorry I was never able to keep in touch with you over the years. we may have been high school sweethearts but you were also a great friend. I wish your family peace and help from the good lord above to ease their pain they are going through at this time. you were too young and never had a chance to finish many things. May you have peace and joy in heaven above.god bless you and your family. tina Randle



Willard was a good neighbor, I spent my youth hunting and fishing with Willard almost weekly. In high school our family helped Willard and Willard was always there to help us. He was like family, my Grandfather thought very highly of Willard as did I. There was nothing Willard could not do he was a smart, strong, determined man. The community of Benson County lost a precious gem. I thank God for my friend Willard and the wonderful memories of my youth with him. May the Lord Jesus comfort his family in this time of loss, my condolences.  Shawn Bowman



Our thoughts and prayers go out to Denise and the boys.  We are so sorry for your loss.   Keith and Laura Winson



Denise and family,  Sorry to hear about your loss of your husband and father. You're all in my thoughts and prayers during these difficult times.   Brian Van Bruggen



Denise and sons, I am so sorry for your loss.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Brenda Miller Bergsrud



Denise,  I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I know you are strong and will get through this as well. Let me know if there is anything I can do.   Darcy Gregg



My deepest sympathy to all of you during this time of loss.  Willard spent much time at my parents farm during his high school years and was a great neighbor to them as he assumed his roll on his farm. May God bless your hearts and minds during this trying time and his grace give you peace.    Connie Warner Hakanson



My deepest and sincere sympathies to you Denise and the boys.  Willard was a good family friend and will be greatly missed. Prayers to you and your family during this very difficult time.   Karen Heilman



I was so sorry to hear about Willard passing. He was a very good man and I really enjoyed visiting with him at the auction barn in DL when I ran the restaurant. Please know that we are thinking of you and your family. Sincerely Mike and Mary Schulz



Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  Just found about Willard when I looked at the Bismarck Tribune.  Words can't explain or really help.  Just know our love and prayers along with understanding are with you.  Betty and Brian Celley



Sorry for your loss, Willard was a good man, he will be missed. Thoughts go out to you and your boys. Gary Vigen Family



My Condolences to the Westad Family.  I was shocked to read of Willard's accident.  I have very fond memories of Willard from high school, both FFA related and other times.  I still remember when he called to inform me of Glady's passing. We seemed to have a kinship since we both lost a parent in high school.  To his wife and boys, know that he will be guiding you from heaven and that he is safely in his parent's and God's arms.  Kim Bohl