Harland Myron Bestul, age 92, died peacefully on Sunday, July 14th, 2013 at Wisconsin Veterans Home-Stordock Hall, King, WI.
Harland was born on the family farm in Portage Co., WI on April 19, 1921, a son of the late Robert and Rebecca (Hanson) Bestul. Harland was a World War II veteran. He served nearly 4 years with the 776th Tank Destroyer Battalion in Europe. He was a Sgt. and tank commander, serving in North Africa, Italy, Germany, Austria and France. He was awarded numerous medals, including the Bronze Star. He was a life member of the VFW and American Legion. Harland married Elaine J. Trinrud on November 24, 1945 at the Farmington Lutheran Church in the Town of Farmington. They lived in Wisconsin Rapids for a time then farmed in the town of Harrison before moving to Waupaca for employment at the Whales Paper Company. They later moved to the Fox Valley to work at the Bergstrom Paper Company until his retirement. He served on the Harrison Center School Board and was president of the papermakers union for many years. In retirement they moved to Amherst and was a member of Peace Lutheran Church.
Harland is survived by his daughter, Darlene (Garry) Snell, Waupaca, WI; daughter-in-law, Sharon (Gordon) Bestul-Peterson, Scandinavia, WI; five grandchildren: Stacy (Janine) Bestul, Wyoming; Kelly (Lance) Nelson, Stevens Point, WI; Travis (Jolie) Bestul, Iola, WI; Michael (Carmen) Snell, Waupaca, WI; Chad (Aimee) Bestul, Iola, WI; twelve great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; three sisters: Evangeline Biederman-Gill; Ruth Jones; Cyrstal (Richard) Anderson; sister-in-law, Georgia Bestul. He was preceded in death by his wife Elaine, his parents, son, Daniel Roger Bestul, granddaughter, Heather Renee Snell, one sister, Geraldine Oligney-Recker, two brothers, Phillip Bestul and Earl (Joan) Bestul.
Funeral Services will be held at the Wisconsin Veterans Home-Main Chapel, King, at 10 AM on Friday, July 19th, 2013, with Chaplain Wayne Schwanke, officiating. Interment will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Town Amherst, Portage Co., WI. Visitation will be held on Friday, from 9:30 AM until the time of the service at the Main Chapel. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.