Mildred Westman

Mildred Viola Nelson was born May 19, 1915 on the family farm in St. James Township, Watonwan County, MN, to parents Otto and Emily Nelson. Mildred was raised and attended school in St. James. She graduated from St. James High School in 1933. Mildred worked at Butterfield Produce for two years before getting married. On September 16, 1943 Mildren and Edwin Westman were united in marriage in St. James. The couple made there home on the family farm just west of town. She was a farm wife, she took great pride in raising her family, tending to household chores and making sure everyone had plenty to eat at meal time. She loved to cook, her grandchildren loved the cookies and neighbors enjoyed the homemade pies. She loved to entertain family and friends. Mildred also loved to tend her arden, the first two rows were flowers followed by vegetables and fruits. She lived on the family farm until she moved into Pleasant View in May 2003. Mildred was a life long member of Augustana Lutheran Church where she was active in ladies circles, she taught Sunday School, and belong to the Alter Guild. She was a active member of the ladies card club in town as well. Mildred Westman, age 93, of St. James died on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at the Pleasant View Good Samaritan Center in St. James. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1990, parents, brothers Allen and Leonard Nelson, sisters Vera Sandmeyer and Ann Kintzi. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Doug and Dianne Westman of St. James, grandchildren Troy Westman of St. James, Tracey (Chad) Gronewold of St. James, 4 great-grandchildren Ryan, Tyler and Matt Westman and Emily Gronewold. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.