11/03/2026
Beverly Westman, 79, formerly of the Minot area, died Sunday, November 1, 2026, at her daughter’s home in Jamestown, ND.
Beverly Lynn (Krueger) Westman was born on October 30, 1947, in Minot, ND, to Reinholt Rudolph (Jack) and Genevieve (Lynch) Krueger; the second of two children. She spent most of her life in Sawyer, ND, where she later graduated from Sawyer High School in 1965. Many of her classmates remained lifelong friends over the years. She loved to attend school reunions, many of which she helped organize. She played an especially large role in planning the Class of 1965 50th year reunion.
Following high school, Beverly married Willard Westman on May 20th, 1966, at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Sawyer, where she was a lifelong member and taught Sunday school, bible school, and was a youth group leader. They made their home 5 miles south of Sawyer, in the place they lovingly called “The North 40”, or “Green Acres”. Her early years were spent raising children, planting trees, and gardening.
Bev started her 25-year career with Trinity Health after the children were raised. She started at Trinity Homes as an Activity Director for 10 years, then moved on to become a Trinity Hospital Volunteer Director. Bev put her whole heart into these positions. Her passion to make life better for residents and volunteers was a driving force. She furthered her education by obtaining her BA degree in Gerontology. She obtained a ND and National Activity Director Certification and a ND and National Volunteer Director Certification. She was a member of Activity Professionals of ND and ND Long Term Care Alzheimer’s Association. Bev served on several local and state boards: Easter Seals Board, The Minot Mayor’s Council for People with Disabilities, The Minot Area Senior Coalition, where as president, she worked to start the Minot area’s first Adult Prom and Harvest Ball for senior citizens, the National and ND State Association of Volunteer Administration, where she served as president, she represented ND at national conventions.
In her free time, Beverly spent hours in the garden and then in the kitchen preserving the things they raised. She was also known for baking many delicious things. Neighbors, family and friends always enjoyed a baked treat with a never-ending cup of coffee. On Christmas, her favorite holiday, a variety of dozens of goodies lined on a festive plate were given to neighbors and family.
The neighbors around their place became like family to Bev and Willard. Many neighborhood gatherings for the adults and kids were held at their home, no matter the occasion. All the neighbors knew a helping hand was never far away, as long as Bev and Willard lived close by. Special neighbors, Jim and Gloria Johnson were an important part of their lives.
Along with being a housewife and mother, Bev was an artist. She pursued the art of painting in oils and took many classes to advance her skills. Eventually, she became part of many art shows where she displayed and sold her work. Bev was even a member and served on the Minot Area Council of the Arts for several years.
Willard and Bev were avid Antique collectors. Many weekends and summer trips were made in hot pursuit of treasures. These treasures eventually filled up their 40 acres. Bev found joy in decorating their home with beautiful antique furniture and décor.
In addition to antiques, they were also music lovers. Many Saturday nights would find them dancing at the Moose Club. They attended the Norsk Hostfest every day, every year, for 25 years, which was a big part of their enjoyment together.
Bev loved reading and would often write short stories. During the years after her retirement, Bev wrote two books. Her original goal was to simply write a book, and becoming a published author was far beyond her wildest dream. In 2019, her first novel, Helen, was published, followed by the second novel, Helen in America, in 2020. This was a fulfilling, proud accomplishment for her.
After Willard passed in November 2012, Beverly moved to Jamestown, ND, to be near her daughter Lisa and son Evan. She moved into a new house with Lisa and Dan in 2015 and lived overlooking the Jamestown Reservoir for the last 11 years. She loved the company of three lap dogs: Merle, Millie and Jackson.
Bev is survived by her four children, Scott (Kristie Lemer) Westman, Velva, Lisa (Dan) Severson, Jamestown, Eric (Elizabeth) Westman, Minot, and Evan (Arion Murphy) Westman, Jamestown; nine grandchildren, Riley Westman, Ryan Lemer, Rebecca Feakes, Ryan Young, Allison Hanson, Alex Westman, Aaron Westman, Jacob Otto and Amanda Westman; seven great-grandchildren; brother, James (Sharon) Krueger, and sister, Carol (Denny) Redding.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Willard Westman.
To my family and friends, Bev writes; “love the life you have. Live every day to the fullest. Laugh long and often. Be kind. Be happy.”
To all who have been a part of her life in any way, Bev asks that you all raise your glass of w**e, or coffee cup and remember the time you had together.
Memorials may be given to her favorite charities, Dakota Boys and Girl Ranch, Shriners Children’s Hospitals, St. Jude, or any charity of your choice.
A Graveside Service will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery, located 5 miles SW of Sawyer, ND, on Monday, November 9, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Memories or condolences can be shared with the family on the funeral home website.
