Mildred was born April 24, 1918, in Blooming Prairie, MN, to Eline (Sorenson) and Nels Wullum. She attended school in Eagle Butte, SD, and Red Wing, MN. She graduated from Red Wing High School in 1936.

Mildred met the love of her life, Glen Westberg, while working at her dad's fountain shop in Red Wing. They eloped and were married on June 12, 1937, in New Hampton, IA. To this union were born three sons, Jerry, Tony, and Jeff; and two daughters, Karen and Kathy. The couple moved around a lot early in their marriage due to the Depression. Among the places they lived during their early married life were Escanaba, MI, Redwood City, CA, and Aberdeen, SD.

They moved to Whitewood, SD, in 1955. The family was involved in ranching and also owned Whitewood Post and Pole Company and Livestock Energy Systems Inc. In 1988, Glen and Mildred purchased Oak Leaf Ranch outside of Whitewood and worked in the ranching and horse raising business.

When Glen died in 2001, the couple had been married for 64 years.

Mildred loved to cook and loved being a rancher's wife. While living in Whitewood, Mildred ran a ceramics business out of her home where she gave lessons and sold ceramics. Mildred also loved to collect dolls and had quite an extensive collection of dolls.

She was active in Immanuel Lutheran Church of Whitewood and the Church Ladies Aid.

Mildred K. Westberg, 97, of Whitewood, passed away peacefully with her family by her side Thursday, April 21, 2016, three days short of her 98th birthday at Judy's Assisted Living Center in Belle Fourche S.D.


Survivors include her

sons, Jerry (Brigitte) Oregon City, OR, Tony (Alona), Whitewood SD, and Jeff (Julie), Whitewood; daughter, Kathy Hinckley, Wheat Ridge, CO; sister, Norma McKillip, Woodville, TX; 20 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and 8 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Karen Rossow; sister, Bernice Schutte; mother and stepfather, Eline and Chris Hanson; and father, Nels Wullum.

Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, May 1, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel, Sturgis.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 2, 2016, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Whitewood. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery.

A memorial has been established to Immanuel Lutheran Church.

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