Thelma Catherine Westerbur

THELMA CATHERINE WESTERBUR…

was born to Victor and Marie (Horrell) Wathen on March 6, 1924 on a farm in Pipestone County, Minnesota where she was raised. On May 16, 1924, she was baptized at St. Leo Catholic Church in Pipestone and she was confirmed there on March 26, 1935. She attended country school District 25 and District 13. Upon completion of her education, she worked for area families caring for their children and also cleaning. She later worked at Pan O’Gold Bakery. On July 19, 1943, she was united in marriage to Arend “Bud” Westerbur at St. Leo Catholic Church in Pipestone. Following their marriage, they moved to White Center, Washington where she was employed at Boeing Aircraft. After one year, they moved to back to Pipestone County, Minnesota. In 1959, she began working at the Arrow Motel which they purchased in 1962. They owned and operated the motel until 1969. On December 1, 1989, Bud preceded her in death. Following his death, she continued to live in Pipestone. In June of 2015 Thelma entered into care at the Pipestone County Hospice House where she passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 22, 2015 at the age of 91 years, five months, and 16 days.

Thelma was a member of St. Leo Catholic Church in Pipestone, Minnesota where she was a member of the Pipestone Council Catholic Women; office volunteer; and a homebound Eucharistic Minister. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary of Pipestone. She was the “Welcome Wagon” hostess in the 1960s. She enjoyed crocheting, embroidering, baking and playing cards. She loved to line dance and to perform line dancing demonstrations with her sisters, Rita and Pat for the Main Street Jamborees at the Pipestone Performing Arts Center.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Barbara and her husband Steve Hytjan of Plymouth, Minnesota, Diane 'Dede' and her husband Mike Yurecko of Bloomington, Minnesota, and Connie and her husband Duane Hytjan of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; four grandsons, Joe Yurecko and his wife Sadia, Jeff Yurecko and his wife April, Kelsey Hytjan and his wife Lori, and Cole Hytjan and his wife Leah; five great-grandchildren, Derartu Yurecko, Madelyne and Elizabeth Yurecko; and Dalyn and Cayl Hytjan; and three sisters, Lorraine Pierce of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Rita Paulsen and Bernadine Van Hoecke, both of Pipestone, Minnesota; and one brother, Howard Wathen and his wife Judy of Wisconsin. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bud; a baby girl; her parents; two sisters, Mary Kempenich and Patricia Dysthe; and one brother, Cecil Wathen.

Memorials received by the family will be given to the Pipestone County Hospice House and St. Leo Catholic Church.