Jim D Westrud

Jim Westrud, age 67, of Brooten died Friday, May 18, 2018, near Watertown, S.D., from injuries received in a motorcycle accident. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, May 25th at Sunburg Free Lutheran Church, with Pastor Ron Knutson officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. on Thursday at the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Brooten, and will continue on Friday at the church, one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at a later date. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Brooten.

Jimmy Deane Westrud, was born on March 19, 1951, in Glenwood, MN. He was one of four sons born to Albin and Selma Johanna (Johnson) Westrud. Jim grew up in South Minneapolis, where he graduated from Vocational High School with the class of 1969. After high school, Jim entered the workforce, where he learned to work with sheet metal.

On September 16, 1972, Jim was united in marriage to Stacy Jean Larson in St. Louis Park, MN. The two made their home in St. Louis Park, where Jim owned his own business manufacturing custom duct-work. Jim’s extended family originated from the Brooten, MN, area and Brooten always held a special place in Jim’s heart. He and Stacy purchased land near there where they built a second home. Stacy died in 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer, and Jim eventually sold their residence in St. Louis Park and settled in Brooten. He also relocated his metal fabrication business, known as Custom Duct, to Brooten. He continued to work until 2013, when he sold the business and retired.

During his years in St. Louis Park, Jim enjoyed a close, longtime friendship with Rachel Myers. Two years after Stacy’s death, a crazy trip to Las Vegas as friends, blossomed into a blessed union of souls between Jim and Rachel. The two committed themselves to each other as life partners and Rachel relocated to Brooten. Over their years together, the two traveled, enjoyed time with friends, laughed often and joked much. They also raised four beautiful pets, including Jim’s beloved cat, Ingemar.

Jim enjoyed riding his Harley motorcycle and Native American history. He especially loved riding in the Black Hills of South Dakota, and kept a trailer there so he would have a place to stay on his frequent visits. He was on a motorcycle trip with friends out to the Black Hills when his bike veered off the road near Watertown, SD, and he suffered fatal injuries.

Jim was a gentle soul, and somewhat of a prankster. He was a kind man, with twinkling blue eyes and unmatched integrity. He loved the western United States, exploring ghost towns, looking for abandoned mines, birdwatching, and camping.

Jim is survived by his life partner, Rachel Myers of Brooten; nieces and nephews, Beth and Troy Emerson, Carrie and Brian Wright, Cindy and Mike McHugh, Duane and Nanette Westrud, Michael Westrud, Melissa Westrud, and Danny Westrud; along with other relatives and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Stacy in 2009; and his three brothers, DeWayne, Harold, and Larry.

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