Erich J. Westerman, 83 year old resident of rural Randall, MN, passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2019 at his residence. There will be a private Funeral Service. A Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 PM on Thursday, June 13, 2019 at Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN. Interment will be at Bethany Reformed Church Cemetery outside of Clara City, MN.
Erich Jan Westermann was born on March 6, 1936 in Campen, Germany to the late Onno and Jannette (Folkerts) Westermann. He grew up and attended the local schools in Loquard, in the “Ostfriesland” area of northwest Germany. Erich emigrated to the United States in 1955 at the age of 19, and made his way to his uncle’s farm near Clara City, MN. Erich was united in marriage to Elizabeth “Betty” Feldman on June 2, 1960 at Bethany Reformed Church in Clara City. They settled on their own farm nearby until 1975, when they purchased a farm in Culdrum Township in Morrison County, MN. Together they raised nine children. Erich enjoyed all aspects of farming, especially the field work and driving his International tractors. In 1988, he suffered the loss of his wife, Betty. Erich continued farming until his retirement in 2006, although he has continued to help his sons on their farms. Erich was united in marriage to Viola Dalquist on December 2, 2006 in Little Falls and they resided near Randall, MN. Erich enjoyed listening to Southern Gospel and German hymns and folksongs. He kept track and watched the international soccer matches whenever possible. Erich enjoyed reading and was interested in learning about new and different places. Erich took occasional trips back to Germany to visit relatives and enjoyed receiving visitors at home. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and “pulling their legs” to get a reaction. Erich had a steadfast character and lived his life guided by his strong faith in God.
Erich is survived by his wife, Viola Dalquist-Westerman; sons, Blaine (Sheila), Scott (Janell), and Landon (Michelle) Westerman; daughters, Heide Westerman, Andrea Westerman, Erica Evoniuk, Elizabeth Westerman, Jodi Westerman, and Sonja (Loren) Fellbaum; stepsons, Kurt (Julie) and Eric (Kathy) Dalquist; brother, Frank (Grete) Westermann; 17 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Onno and Janette Westermann; wife, Betty Westerman; brother, Dirk Westermann; and sister, Gerda Westermann.
Honorary Pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Kristan, Brandon, Diandra, Jordan, Morgan K., Darren, Morgan J., Grace, Anna, Dawn, Jessie, Quade, Madison, Tyler, Emily, Dirk, Ian, Cole, and Erin.
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