Iris Westman

Iris Westman, age 115, resident of Northwood, ND died Sunday, January 3, 2021 at Northwood Deaconess Health Center.

Iris was born August 28, 1905, the daughter of Nicholas and Mathilda (Erickson) Westman. On Dec 25, 1905, she was baptized at New Luther Valley Lutheran Church, rural McVille and confirmed at Sundahl Lutheran Church, Aneta, on Nov 9, 1920.  She attended Aneta Schools, grades 1-12, graduating in 1923. She attended the University of North Dakota, graduating in 1928 with a BS in Education degree.

Her teaching career began in Killdeer, ND as a High School Principal and English Teacher. She next taught at Aneta, then Hillsboro in ND. During this time, she went to summer school at the U of MN School of Library Science, earning a degree in 1946. After 5 years as school librarian at Staples, MN she went to Worthington, MN as Elementary School Librarian, holding that position until retirement in 1972.

Iris traveled throughout the U.S. with family and friends, and took tours into Mexico, Canada, and Europe. Wherever she lived, she was involved in community and church activities; especially choirs.

In 1990, Iris moved to Grand Forks to live in Parkwood Place. In May 2012, she moved to Northwood Deaconess in Northwood.

Iris was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters, and 3 brothers.

She is survived by 4 generations of nieces and nephews.

A private service will be held in the spring at Silent Hill Cemetery, Aneta, ND.

Memorials are preferred to support the Chester Fritz Library Conservation Lab at the University of North Dakota. Checks can be mailed directly to the following address. Be sure to include Iris Westman on the check memo.

UND Alumni Association and Foundation

1301 N Columbia Road Stop 8157

Grand Forks, ND 58202

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