Don Westerbur

Donald John Westerbur was born on October 4, 1941 to John and Ethel (Reimers) Westerbur in Ihlen, Minnesota. Don lived in Ihlen for most of his life, he loved the town and everything about it. During his childhood, Don enjoyed playing baseball and had learned from a young age the importance of a good work ethic. He attended Pipestone High School, graduating with the class of 1959. Don had accepted Jesus Christ into his life at a young age, he was confirmed in 1957 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Pipestone, Minnesota. Following his graduation, Don worked for Pepsi – what started out as helping a friend who was recovering from a surgery run his route, eventually turned into a full-time job. He worked briefly at Grimstad Lumber between his time at Pepsi. Following his time with Pepsi, Don worked for Gambles in Pipestone for over 30 years. He was a friendly, familiar face greeting customers every day. After working hard at Gambles, Don followed his dream and opened his own business, ‘Don’s Furniture’, in Pipestone – a business he successfully operated until his retirement in 2004. Don was a very driven and motivated worker, which he showed in every aspect of his life.

Don had met the love of his life, Barbra Schadwinkel, at a very early age. The couple knew from the very start that they were meant to live the rest of their lives together. They met when Barb was in her senior year of high school and on March 6, 1961, the couple married at the Presbyterian Church in Pipestone, at the age of 19. This union was blessed with the birth of their daughter, Deborah, and the marriage continued to thrive for 63 years. In 2009, Don and Barb moved into Jasper, Minnesota, where they resided until an automobile accident on May 4, 2024. Due to needing help recovering, Don then moved into the Good Samaritan Communities in Pipestone for a few months before becoming a resident at the Pipestone Hospice House. Don passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at the age of 83 years and 12 days.

Don lived a full life. Along with being a small business owner, he was an Ihlen City Councilman for over ten years. Barb and Don were members of Christ the King Free Lutheran Church in Pipestone. Don loved attending auctions, watching his great-grandchildren at sporting events, and always loved indulging in a hot cup of coffee with his friends; especially his close friend, Jim Whipple. Don took great pride in his lawn and he was an avid gun, knife and Terry Redlin collector. Don had extremely strong family values, his love for his family ran deep and strong. He was a loyal husband, great father and an amazing friend to those who knew him.

Left to remember Don, is his wife Barb Westerbur of Pipestone, Minnesota; daughter, Deborah (Rick) Meyer of Ihlen, Minnesota; brother, Dan Westerbur (special friend, Sheila Halverson) of Garretson, South Dakota; grandkids, Nicki (Dustin) Holt, Naomi Lorenzen, and Jonathan (Brittany Anderson) Fredricks; great-grandchildren, Kade Gebauer, Aisha Lorenzen, Nolan Stark, Connor Holt, Carter Holt, and Aallyah Smith; his uncle, Bill Reimers; and close friend, Jim Whipple. Don was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ethel Westerbur; brothers, John Westerbur Jr. and Eugene Westerbur; mother-in-law, Christena Schnepf; father-in-law, Raymond Schadwinkel; sister-in-law, Connie Swenson; and brothers-in-law, Dennis Schadwinkel and Rick Schnepf.