Grace D. Westman

Grace Diane Carol Barry Westman, age 80, of Iron River, MI, passed away Sunday, November 16, 2014 at the Iron County Medical Care Facility, Crystal Falls, MI. She was born February 4, 1934 in Stambaugh, MI, the daughter of the late John “Henry” and Hazel V. (Nyren) Barry. She attended the Iron River Schools and graduated. Grace married Paul J. Westman on February 14, 1953, and the couple made their home on the Westman Farm in Stambaugh Township. They originated the first 4-H Beef Club in Iron County and raised prize winning Herford’s until Paul’s death on November 25, 1971 following a tractor accident. Grace was employed at Jim’s Pharmacy as a pharmacist assistant for over 25 years, and in later years worked at the Iron River Senior Citizen Center. She also worked at the Beechwood Store and was a caregiver for her aunt in Shawano. Grace enjoyed volunteering at the Iron County Historical Museum. She was an active member of the First Lutheran Church of Iron River, where she played the organ, piano, and sang in the choir and ensemble and was a Sunday school and Confirmation teacher. Grace was also a member of the Ladies Aid, Luther League, Mission and LCW member, First Lutheran Quilters, the Northland Chorus, Florence Singers, Ecumenical Community Choir, a past Iron Range Farm Bureau secretary/treasurer, AARP member, Beechwood Friendly Neighbors, Sunset Circle, Solos Group, and volunteered at the Iron River Nursing Home. She also sang for several years at the Beechwood Cemetery Memorial Day events and for several funerals, weddings, and special community events. She enjoyed knitting, card games, painting pictures, playing piano, and especially spending time with family. Grace is survived by her son, Russell Westman of Iron River; brother, Jim (Naomi) Barry of Iron River; grandchildren, Kimberly (Cole) Belongie, Adam (Andrea) Stockero, Clarice, Stephanie, Paul, Erin, Elizabeth (Jon) Lindsey, Joseph, Philip, David, Margaret, Therese, and Alexandra Westman and great grandson, Paul Stockero; and many nieces nephews, and cousins. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, LaVerne Pittsley. Visitation will be held Saturday, November 29, 2014 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Iron River. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Bonny Kinnunen to officiate.       Pallbearers will be Paul, Joseph, Philip and David Westman, Adam Stockero, Cole Belongie, and Jon Lindsey. Interment will be in Rosehill Cemetery in the spring. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Grace D. Westman, please visit our flower store.