Glen J. Westman

Glen James Westman passed away peacefully in his home on September 3, 2024 at the age of 91.  Just the way he wanted to go from this earth, to be in his home surrounded by his family.

Glen was born on May 20, 1933 to Elvin and Julia (Haugen) Westman in West Valley Township, Minnesota. To help his family, Glen started working in the farm fields full time at the age of 15.  He continued to support his family until he was drafted in the Army from 1955 to 1957.

Upon his return from the Army, he met his first love, Lorene “Pete” Champagne. Only with 3 months of dating, they had a double matrimony with Pete’s twin sister, Dorene on January 4, 1958.  Right after their wedding, they embarked on the unknown territory called the Twin Cities, where they lived for 3 years or so. During this time is when Glen found his calling, driving Semi-Trucks for a living. Feeling claustrophobic, they moved to Coon Rapids, where they started building their family by adopting 4 out of the 5 children.

Missing the country lifestyle that both Glen and Pete were raised, they decided to pick up the kids and moved to Zimmerman, Minnesota. Once settled into the quiet life, having a hobby farm, they decided to adopt their fifth child. Their love of traveling all over the country and Canada to visit family and friends inspired their children to do the same. Having a house full of kids (also other people’s kids, nieces and nephews) and animals surrounding them brought much comfort until Pete passed away in 1997.

On April 23, 1999, he married for the second time to a lovely lady named Karen Lampert. With this matrimony, he instantaneously acquired 3 step kids and their families. For the past 25 years of marriage, Glen and Karen enjoyed their retirement life by traveling all over the USA on tour buses and even made a trip to Korea to see their newborn Grandson in 2004. They were also known to call people over on their street to have a beer with Glen, have pop with Karen, play cards and most of all, Farkle. With this, the neighbors and neighborhood kids had the privilege to hear Glen’s life stories over and over.

In Glen’s lifetime, he was active in the Zimmerman community. He was the President of the Elk Lake Easy Rider’s club, Baseball Coach, Basketball Coach, Softball Coach, Usher for St. Pius Catholic Church and on the Wild West Days Committee.

Glen is survived by his wife, Karen Westman; his children, Michael (Anita) Westman of Lindstrom, MN, Pamela Boshea of Princeton, MN, Paul (Amy) Westman of Loveland, OH, Michelle (Randy) Gorsegner of Zimmerman, MN, Ann (Larry Galyardt) Westman of Anna, TX; stepchildren, Mark (Katie) Lampert of Wadena, MN, Judy (Leon) Lindenfelser of Nowthen, MN, Patrick Lampert of Morris, IL; grandchildren, Brandi Scott, Cody (DeAndra) Gorsegner, Alexandra Westman, Abigail Westman, Matthew Westman, Brandon Lampert, Jackson Lampert, Danielle (Sam) Murdoff, Sarah McAlpine, Megan (Grant) Larson, Nicholas Galyardt, Jonathan (Sammi-Jo) Galyardt, Elizabeth Galyardt, Austin Kukacka; great-grandchildren, Rowen and Raena Scott, Breken, Blake, and Brooks Gorsegner, Griffin and Tucker McAlpine, Audrey and Wesley Larson, Hillary, Clara, and Elliot Murdoff, and Adaline Burke; sister, Julie-Ann (Gardner) Erickson; brother, Dale (Verna) Westman; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Glen is preceded in death by his first wife, Lorene “Pete” Westman; granddaughter, Jordain Rust; his parents, Elvin and Julia Westman; brothers, Eldor (Irene) Westman and Myles Westman; sisters, Arlene Johnson and Gloria (Raymond) Rybakowski and many relatives before him.

A special Thank You to his daughters, Michelle Gorsegner and Pamela Boshea and son in-law, Randy Gorsegner for taking care of him in his last year of his life. A huge Thank You and deep gratitude to Jame and Kari Findall (next door neighbors) for taking care of Glen and Karen’s yard and anything else they needed.

Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at Christ Our Light Catholic Church, 804 – 7th Ave S, Princeton, with visitation starting at 10:00 AM.

Interment St. Pius X Catholic Cemetery in Zimmerman, MN.

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