Final Salute

Michael Dale Westberg, 75, of New London, died Thursday, May 30th at his home. His memorial service will be 11:00 am, Friday, June 7th at Refuge Church in Willmar. Visitation will be 5-7:00 pm, Thursday, June 6th at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar and continue one hour prior to his service. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar, www.hafh.org

Mike’s service will be livestreamed at https://refugechurch-mn.subspla.sh/vz497j2

Michael Dale Westberg was born to Colleen and Dale Westberg on October 12,1948, in Alexandria, Minnesota. Mike was baptized and confirmed by the Lutheran church, and graduated from Kensington High School in 1966. Mike went on to study carpentry at Alexandria Technical College and was recruited from there to Vietnam, serving as a Seabee (builder) through the Navy. Upon his return from Vietnam, Michael immediately married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Linda (Anderson) Westberg. Together, they made a home in the country near Spicer, Minnesota and raised two daughters, Michelle “Shelly” and Heather. Mike worked for Terwisscha Construction at the start of his career, and then partnered with Bill Leenstra, a friend in business and life. In time, Mike began Mike Westberg Construction and built innumerable homes with careful craftsmanship over more than forty years. Mike also did many pro bono fixer upper projects after hours for those in need, and several projects for the Westberg’s church (now The Refuge in Willmar), where he served many years on the trustee board.

Mike is beloved by all who knew him for his dry wit, integrity, humility and careful wisdom. He was sincere and always concerned about what other people were going through, even while he faced many struggles of his own. Mike adored his two sisters, Shari and Sandi, and held memories with them and their parents over his lifetime close to his heart.

In years past, Mike was an avid outdoorsman, going on many adventures with friends and family through his adulthood. Nothing could soothe his soul like a walk through the woods. But as much as his love for nature was a passion, nothing could match his fierce love for his wife and daughters and their families.

The faith of Mike Westberg was a quiet constant. He was a believer that trusted that God is grace and grace should be given to others. He believed in all things working together for good despite his trials. Mike could always see the good in the bad, even when that became nearly impossible these last several years as he battled leukemia, had a bone marrow transplant, and lost his beloved Linda to Alzheimer’s Disease. He became more vulnerable and open, sharing tears in the sorrows with his girls, and so much laughter to keep them all above water. He will be missed beyond measure for these reasons and many more, even the small things that make a person themselves, like his fierce aversion to pineapple and his deep love for Peanut M&M’s and maple nut ice cream.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Colleen Westberg, and his wife, Linda. He leaves behind his daughter, Michelle (David) Ceasar and grandchildren: Zachary and Max; daughter, Heather King (Jason Ogdahl) and grandchildren: Miles, Asher, and Elsie Jane; sisters, Shari (Leighton) Johnsrud; Sandi (Tom) Hedstrom and many beloved nieces and nephews, cousins and innumerable friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael Westberg, please visit our floral store.