Obituary/Gary R. Westerberg, 70

Gary R. Westerberg, 70, of Hibbing, MN, passed away peacefully with family at his side on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, in Minneapolis, MN, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born in Hallock, MN, on August 4, 1955, to Roger and Gerdis (Hoglin) Westerberg. Gary grew up in the Lake Bronson area on his family's farm, which he held near and dear to his heart. He graduated from Lancaster High School and then attended Wadena Trade School, where he trained to become a lineman. Gary then moved to Hibbing, where he secured a job with the HPUC and retired from there as lead lineman after 35 years. He started and raised his family in Hibbing, planting his roots and becoming part of the community. Gary was passionate about his country and serving as a member of the Minnesota Army National Guard, 34th Infantry Division, Red Bull. He was a Master Sergeant and was activated three times during his 22-year career. During that time, he was proud to be part of the NATO peacekeeping mission in Bosnia from 2003 to 2004. He was honored to be the commander of the Mid-Range Honor Guard. Gary was also passionate about his involvement with the 12-step program of AA, having celebrated 41 years of sobriety. Above all, Gary adored his big family and supported them in any way he could, such as watching his children's and grandchildren's sporting events and activities or by offering suggestions and ideas when helpful. It was important to him that his kids were part of his family farm and enjoyed deer hunting there. He married the love of his life, Mary Jo Fitzpatrick, on June 14th, 1997, which was Flag Day, to remember his anniversary. You could always find Gary in his shop, whether he was working on something, relaxing, listening to 70's rock music, or reading one of his many books (especially history). If the door was open, his friends and family knew that the coffee was on and everyone was welcome. When it came down to it, Gary was a special man who was supportive and involved with his groups, all while having a huge heart and truly caring for others.

Gary is survived by his wife Mary Jo Westerberg, children: Brad Westerberg, Scott Westerberg, Joe (Brandy) Westerberg, Ryan (Tracy) Keppers, and Stephanie (Chris) Ostendorf, his former wife, Connie Nichols, siblings, Lyndon (Denise) Westerberg, and Owen (Shelly) Westerberg, his daughter-in-law, Sarah Westerberg, grandchildren, Hayden, Tyler, Spencer, Kyan, Lloyd, and Isabella, along with numerous nieces and nephews, and his brother and sisters-in-law, Maureen Tuma, and Mike (Erlene) Fitzpatrick. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother, Odee, brother, Leon Westerberg, brother-in-law, Bob Tuma, and his in-laws, Red and Lois Fitzpatrick.

A graveside service will take place at 12:00 PM, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Riverside Cemetery in Lake Bronson, MN.  Military honors will be accorded by the Mid-Range Honor Guard at the cemetery.  Following the burial, all are welcome to join for a reception in Gary's honor at Zion Lutheran Church in Lake Bronson. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Mid-Range Honor Guard at PO Box 353 in Keewatin, MN, 55753, and Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Hibbing.