Bernice J. Westad

Bernice J. Westad was born on March 7, 1918 on a farm near Leaf Mountain, MN. She is the daughter of Iver and Carrie (Samson) Jacobson. Bernice attended grade school at District # 70 and helped her parents on the farm with chores, cooking, and baking. Bernice married Russell Westad on February 8, 1942. Together they farmed near Battle Lake and Parkers Prairie where they raised their five children; Gary, Dean, Donald, Carole and Mark. After their retirement and sale of the farm they moved to Alexandria in 1966. Bernice loved to garden, listen to old-time music and do handiwork like crocheting, quilting, and embroidering. She was an excellent cook and liked to bake. Bernice was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be missed by all those who knew and loved her. Bernice J. Westad died on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at her home at Grand Arbor in Alexandria, MN at the age of 98 years old. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Russell Westad, daughter Carole Bjerketvedt, son Donald Westad, three brothers and four sisters. Bernice is survived by her loving sons Gary (Geri) Westad of Temecula, CA; Dean (Cheryl) Westad of Hudson, WI; and Mark (Jeane) Westad of Brainerd, MN. She is also survived by her grandchildren Jason (Tammy) Westad of Roseville, MN; Kimberley Westad of Santa Monica, CA; Christy Westad of Irvine, CA; and Justin Westad of St. Louis, MO; and three great granddaughters Caitlin, Cassie, and Carly. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 11AM at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria, MN with the Reverend Kari van Wakeren officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 from 4-6PM at the Anderson Funeral Home and also for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Kathy Peterson will be the pianist and Reverend Michael Peterson will be the soloist. Interment will be in the Kinkead Cemetery. Casket Bearers are Alan Westad, Justin Westad, Jason Westad, James Salvog, Paul Granovsky, and David Jacobson. In Lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Grand Arbor Memory Care Unit. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. www.andersonfuneral.net To view Bernice's video tribute, click on the link below: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/6WTQ72MSQ55CNNQN

Bernice J. Westad

March 7, 1918 - March 10, 2016