Westen James Hotzler, son of Rodger and Ardis (Duncan) Hotzler was born on June 6, 1971 at Jackson, Minnesota. Westen grew up in Lakefield and graduated from Heron Lake Okabena Lakefield High School in 1989. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and later received a medical discharge. He returned to the area and was employed at the Okabena Farmers Elevator. He then attended Mankato Technical College and graduated in 1992 with an Agribuisiness degree. He then worked at the Fulda Co-op, Lake Crystal Farmers Co-op, trucked for various firms in the Lamberton and Walnut Grove area, Doug's Auto in Lamberton and Koblegard Auto in Walnut Grove. He married Angela Koblegard on December 3, 1994. They were later divorced. Westen then worked for Sell Brothers, Midwest Livestock, Tire Associates, B & G Trucking and Reich Trucking in Mankato. He married Lori Lahs on June 21, 2002. They were later divorced. He then worked for Curtis Jones Trucking of Truman. Due to ill health, Westen could not work and fought a courageous battle with cancer.

Westen was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lakefield. He also belonged to the Earle Ray American Legion Post No 155 of Tracy, Minnesota.

Westen passed away on Thursday evening, December 4, 2003 at the Fairmont Medical Center in Fairmont, Minnesota. He was 32 years, 5 months and 28 days old.

Westen is survived by a son Logan Hotzler of Walnut Grove; a daughter Samantha Hotzler of Walnut Grove; his parents Rodger and Ardis Hotzler of Okabena; a brother Wade Hotzler of Bigelow; a niece Briana; paternal grandmother Josephine Hotzler of Heron Lake; maternal grandparents Wayne and Marian Duncan of Ceylon and many aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends.

Westen was preceded in death by his grandfather, Ralph Hotzler.

BLESSED BE HIS MEMORY