Arnold Westrum, 86

Arnold “Red” Edmund Westrum, 86, Hoffman, died Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at Good Samaritan Society in Hoffman.

Red was born May 19, 1926 to Hans and Carrie Vestrum at home and baptized in Cyrus. The youngest of five children, Red moved to Hoffman at the age of 10 years. He was confirmed in Lands Lutheran Church. In 1944, Red graduated from Hoffman High and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. In 1946, he was discharged with the rank fireman first class. After attending Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis, Red returned home to the family Hoffman Blacksmith Shop. For more than 50 years, he loved working in the shop alongside his father Hans and brother Hank.

On May 27, 1950, Red married Ann Arnquist and for nearly 59 years, they made their home and raised three sons on the shore and in the water of Elk Lake.

It’s been said, “All work is an act of philosophy.” With conviction, Red expressed his beliefs through his “work” as a loving husband, father, son and brother; as a member of Messiah Lutheran Church; as a parade and color guard member of the American Legion; as a main-streeter in the commercial club; as a Boy Scoutmaster; as a solid friend playing at buddies’ backyard projects; whistling late into the evening on endless shoreline improvements; for more than 30 years as a soft-spoken school bus driver; and as a volunteer delivering Meals-On-Wheels.

Red was the last of the well-known Class of ’46 deer hunters. He loved holidays with family, friends, fishing, traveling, whist, and reading history.

Red is survived by sons, Darrell (Paula), Rollin, and Larry (Vickie); six grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann; parents, Hans and Carrie; brother, Hank; and sisters, Norma, Millie and Ellie.

A memorial service was held Monday, December 31 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Hoffman with the Rev. Nathan Thompson officiating. Burial was at Land Cemetery in Hoffman. Honorary urn bearers were his grandchildren, Curtis Garritson, Melissa Poland, Delores Westrum, Jonathan Westrum, Sarah Larson and Maggie Snellings.

Arrangements are with Erickson-Smith Funeral Home in Hoffman; www.EricksonSmithFH.com.

A00009B2013JA04

Tags: obituaries

Sign the guestbook

Comments posted on this page do not reflect opinions of Forum Communications Company. Forum Communications Company does not endorse and is not responsible for any statement, opinion, advice given or made. All replies are subject to approval and must follow Forum Communications Company guidelines concerning statements of libel, personal attacks or defamation of character. Replies in the "Talk About It" section that criticize a person by name may not be posted, unless that person is openly involved in a public issue. Comments written in all capital letters or bold print will not be considered for inclusion in the forum.

Terms & Conditions