Gene L. Westerlund, age 90, of Villisca, Iowa, passed away Saturday, May 10, 2025. Gene was born February 1, 1935, in Villisca, Iowa, the son of Sven Ernest and Nellie (Greenfield) Westerlund. He graduated from Villisca High School in 1953. Gene's childhood passion was to be a farmer, and he fulfilled that wish for his entire life. He also sold insurance for twenty years and served in the Iowa Army National Guard for 6 years. In 1958, Gene was united in marriage to Joanne Hicks and two children were born to this union: Terry and Tammy. He later was united in marriage to Joan Matthews on September 18, 1981, in Red Oak, Iowa. Gene was a longtime member of the Morton's Mill Church and the Farm Bureau. He also served on the Villisca School Board. Gene enjoyed fishing, going for rides, and spending time with his dog: Sissy.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife: Joan; sisters: Glee Govig and husband Bud and Lucille Westerlund; and brother: Ken Westerlund and wife Jini. Survivors include his companion for the past four years: Sandy Penton of Villisca, IA; children: Terry Westerlund and wife Amy of Red Oak, IA and Tammy Magneson and husband Jeff of Stanton, IA; step-children: Kim Matthews-Teachy and husband Maurice of Greensboro, NC; Linda Showers and husband Gregory of Council Bluffs, IA; and Lori Matthews of Kearney, MO; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and other relatives and many friends.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 11 AM Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Morton's Mill Cemetery. There will be a luncheon and time for fellowship at the Hayloft in Grant, Iowa after the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Open Door Mission.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.