Drew K. Westlund, Sr.

Drew Kelly Westlund Sr. peacefully entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2026. True to form, he arrived bright and early to meet the sunrise.

Drew was born on October 15,1959 in Ladysmith, WI to Gordon and Roberta Westlund. The youngest of five children, he grew up enjoying the wonder and adventure of the outdoors. He developed a life-long love for the area, which he often referred to as “God’s Country”. He moved to Mineral Point, WI in 1976 at the age of 17. It was there he met his next-door neighbor and future wife, Deborah. Before long they were high school sweethearts and remained inseparable for the next 49 years.

During his time in Mineral Point, Drew worked with his brother Scott, who owned and operated Mineral Point Bottling Works. After graduating from Mineral Point High School, he received his associate degree in municipal engineering. Drew and Debbie were married in 1983 and moved back to Conrath, WI where they established Conrath Auto Body & Sales. Later, they opened Northland Auto Sales in Ladysmith, WI. Together, they built mini-storage facilities in Ladysmith and Bruce. Throughout the years, Drew and Debbie were also active in land development and real estate. In 2005, they relocated and took over ABC Seamless in Green Bay, WI. After selling ABC Seamless in 2018, Drew continued to work in business alongside his family. He would say “love what you do and never work a day in your life.”

Drew and Debbie deeply cherish their family. They loved to host holidays in Conrath, where the house was filled with family, food, and laughter. Drew led his family on many memorable adventures—through the woods, on lakes and rivers, and to the mountains and the ocean. He worked hard at cutting and clearing beautiful trails through the family’s wooded acreage, and he delighted in watching his children play and explore them for many hours. Nearly every weekend of the summer was spent on the lake, boating, fishing, swimming, and spending time with extended family. Drew had a reputation for ensuring that the campfire kept burning into the wee hours of the morning. “Just a couple more logs”, he would say, knowing that the warm flames would tempt more conversation and laughter. For him, it was all about togetherness.

Drew especially loved snowmobiling, riding his Harley, four wheeling with the family, hunting trips, and eating oysters by the ocean. At home, Drew enjoyed restoring classic cars, planting trees, growing a big garden, making sauerkraut, tending to his black angus, and preparing a big Sunday breakfast for the family after church.

He was an attentive, intentional father who wisely included his children in anything that could serve as a learning opportunity. His kids knew that they could “ask Dad,” and he would have the answer and guidance they needed. He never brushed off his kids when he was busy by saying, “Go play”. Instead, he would say, “Come on, I need your help putting these tires on the truck.” Or “Come help me start the wood furnace.” Years later we realized… He didn’t really need help with those jobs.

Drew is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 43 years, Debbie; their children, Rachael (Paul) Jensen of River Falls; Morgan (Michael) Wright of Brussels; and Drew Jr. of Brussels. Also left to carry on his legacy are his beloved grandchildren, Evelyn, Barrett, Reagan, Abram, Harper, and Harlan.

He is also survived by his brother, Kirk (Donna) of Marshfield; his brother-in-law, Merle, of Stoughton; sister-in-law, Linda, of Sheldon; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by father and mother, Gordon and Roberta Westlund; his sister, Sharon; brothers, Scott and Tyrus; mother-in-law, Anna Mae; uncle, Kempton; aunt, Grace; sister-in-law, Judy; nephews, Matthew and Todd; and treasured grandson, Henry.

Services will take place at Nash-Jackan Funeral Home on Friday, April 10th. Visitation will begin at 9:00, with a memorial service to follow at 11:00. Jim Kauffman will be officiating. Burial will immediately follow at the Conrath Cemetery.

Drew’s wife and children would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many friends and family members who have included them in prayers, shared comforting memories, and to those who continue to offer their genuine support during this difficult time. Your kindness will not soon be forgotten. As our family navigates this journey through grief, we continue to seek strength, comfort, and joy in the promise of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A complete obituary will also be published in the Ladysmith News.