Retired Covenant minister and global personnel Harry Westberg died in North Oaks, Minnesota, on September 3, 2024. He was 100.
Harry Edwin Westberg was born in Minneapolis to parents Edwin and Lina Westberg on February 29, 1924. He was the oldest of three children and lived in the Camden area of Minneapolis.
Harry attended Moody Bible Institute, Wheaton College, North Park Seminary, and had special studies in Japanese at the University of California. While at Wheaton College he met Gladys Rudine, and they married on November 26, 1948. At an early age, Harry felt called to be a missionary. He was ordained in 1952, and God led Harry and Gladys to Japan, where they served with the Evangelical Covenant Church. In between missionary service there he served churches in Chicago (Lakeview) and Minneapolis (Brookdale).
Faith was an integral part of Harry’s life, and he lived out being a pastor every day. His energy, humor, and love of both life and people made him fun to be with and interesting to talk to. His children have endless stories of how he liked to tease, entertain, and enjoy himself. He was known to always have a stack of books next to his chair in the living room and ice cream in the freezer.
Harry was also gifted with a beautiful tenor voice; music was always a part of the Westberg household, whether it was classical records or Harry singing with Gladys accompanying on the piano. He shared his singing throughout his life; it was a significant part of his ministry.
In later years, Harry remained active at Brookdale Covenant Church in Brooklyn Center, and Rice Creek Covenant Church in Lino Lakes.
After his dear wife, Gladys, passed away in 2008, Harry married Dorothy Drake, a friend from high school Bible camp who was also widowed. They enjoyed fifteen years of marriage together, traveling, visiting family, and living together at Waverly Gardens in North Oaks. Harry loved being able to take care of his family, particularly Dorothy.
Harry was preceded in death by his wife Gladys; son Daniel (Lisa Bringerud), daughter Lois Seely (Richard), sister Mildred Huxley (Richard), and brother Arnold (Doris). He is survived by his wife Dorothy, daughter Julie Harris, son David (Lona), and daughter Joanna Sjoblom (Peter), 12 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life was held at Waverly Gardens on September 26, 2024. Memorial gifts may be made to a charity of your choice.
Peace be to his memory.
