Betty Westman

Betty Jane Westman, age 89, of Alexandria passed away on March 1, 2019, surrounded by her family.

Betty was born on August 10, 1929, on the family farm in Erdahl Township to Leonard and Sigrid (Nelson) Dahlen. Betty lost her mother at age 9, and she took on a motherly role for her brother Donald and sister Darlene that shaped her for the rest of her life. Her father later married Lucille (Hodges), and from this marriage Betty gained a brother, Warren. Betty graduated from Evansville High School in 1949. On May 22, 1954, Betty married Andrew Lindy Westman, and to this marriage four children were born. Betty and Andy (Lindy) first resided in Eagle Lake Township near Ashby before moving to the Twin Cities. In 1974, they moved to Alexandria.

The importance of family was deeply rooted in Betty. She treasured family reunions, hosting many for the extended Dahlen-Nelson family. Being a good neighbor was also especially important to Betty, and she was blessed with numerous great neighbors who became close friends.

Betty is survived by her husband of 64 years Andy (Lindy), and children Allen of West St. Paul, Philip of Norwood Young America, Sheri (Tim) Mikish of Browerville, and Gary (Tracy) of West St. Paul, and by her treasured grandchildren Aaron (Sarah) of River Falls, WI, Austin of West St. Paul, Derek Mikish of Staples and Ethan Westman Meech of Arlington. In addition, Betty is survived by her sister Darlene (Gene) Olson of Crystal Lake, IL, brother Warren Dahlen of Barrett, sister-in-law Violet Evavold of Ashby, sister-in-law Darlyne (Bob) Thoen of Cologne, and other relatives. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, stepmother, her brother Donald and other relatives who she dearly loved.

Betty’s family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to all the staff members at Prairie Senior Cottages where Betty most recently resided.

A Celebration of Betty’s Life will be held at 2:30 pm on Saturday, April 13, at Anderson Funeral Home, located at 659 Voyager Drive in Alexandria. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Betty will be buried at Grue Lutheran Cemetery this Spring.