Florence Westra

Florence Westra was born on October 6, 1918 to Joe and Matilda Schrag in Freeman, South Dakota, and went to be with her Heavenly Father on January 28, 2007 at the Bethesda Home of Aberdeen, surrounded by her loving family. Florence grew up on her family farm, south of Freeman. Following high school graduation, she moved to Sioux Falls to attend Nettelton Business School. It was during this time, that she met the love of her life, Andy. Andy and Florence were married on August 10, 1941 in Sioux Falls. In 1942, Andy was called into service for World War II and they moved to Fort Leonardwood, MO, where Florence worked on the military base. After the war, Florence and Andy lived in several communities while Andy was employed with Montgomery Wards and in 1947, they moved back to Sioux Falls and into the hardware business, opening the Marshall Wells Hardware Store. In 1957, they relocated to Edina, MN where Andy managed a store, and eventually they began their life in Aberdeen, opening their Coast-to-Coast Store in 1959, where they worked together in this family business until their retirement in 1992.

Florence brought a gracious and dignified presence to everything she did. She was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church where she sang in the church choir, was active in UPW and circle activities, and enjoyed many years organizing the annual rummage sale. Florence and Andy enjoyed traveling to many wonderful places together, they loved the time spent at their lake cabin on Lake Miltona, Alexandria, MN, and they joyously attended their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren's many events. Florence was also an avid sports fan for Central High and particularly for the Northern Wolves Basketball program. She was blessed with many friends and cherished all the moments they shared together.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of over 65 years, Andy of Aberdeen; her son Richard (Ginger) and their daughters Shannon (Todd) Imbery; Shelley (Ronn) Heier, all of Aberdeen; her son, Douglas (Glenna) , Mina, and their sons Andrew of Marshall MN., and Matthew of Aberdeen; her daughter Beth (Steven) Mills and their children Adam and Katie, all of Sioux Falls; Dwayne's sons, Jeffrey (Mychel) Westra of Prescott Valley, AZ and Chad (Kirstin) Westra of Sioux Falls; and her daughter-in-law Janie Westra and her family of Chandler, AZ.

Florence joins two sons, Dwayne and Charles, her parents, her brother O'Ray Schrag and her sister Leola Mierau in Heaven.

Florence cherished her beloved Andy, her family and her faith in God. We will miss her gentle smile, her soft-spoken wisdom and her gracious heart. She was a good and faithful servant during her lifetime and all that she graced with her presence are better for having known her.

Funeral services for Florence Westra, 88, Aberdeen, are Thursday, February 1, 2007 at First Presbyterian Church, Pastor James E. Clarke officiating. Burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Aberdeen.

Arrangements by Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 S. Main St., Aberdeen.

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Jan 26 2016, 1:08:01 UTC