Mabel Dorthea Wester was born May 22, 1924 in Vivian, South Dakota, the daughter of Halvor and Olea (Monger) Strom. She was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at Vivian, and she graduated from Vivian High School. On February 28, 1947, Mabel was united in marriage to Thelford Wester in Benson, Minnesota by Rev. Nasheim. The couple was blessed with eleven children and 22 years of marriage. Mabel spent her time caring for the home and raising the children. She also worked as a cook at Benson schools, which she considered the most enjoyable job a person could have. She enjoyed spending time with her family, and if that meant camping in a tent or fishing along the lakeshore, she did. Mabel also enjoyed traveling, casino runs, Bingo, quilting with her friends and attending coffee parties, which were held on a weekly basis, and sometimes a daily basis. Laughter was always heard around the house, especially with her lady friends. Mabel was also known to spend hours in her flower garden. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the ladies aid and Altar Guild, the Neighborhood Birthday Club, and the Starbuck Twirlers Square Dancing Club. Mabel was called from this life on Monday, December 6, 2010 at Homestead North in Benson. She attained the age of 86 years, 6 months and 14 days. Mabel is survived by her children: Kathy Beckman of Coon Rapids, Janet (Terry) Neubauer of Wendall, Gail Noyes of Coon Rapids, Carol Schloesser of Hutchinson, Betty (Patrick) Twitchell of Benson, Bradley Wester of Circle Pines, Cindy Wester of Eden Prairie, Randy Wester of Darwin, and Gary (Lana) Wester of Ham Lake; grandchildren: Mark (Megan) Neubauer, Ryan Guse, Scott Neubauer, Tonia (Eric) Cronen, Keith Neubauer, Simeon (Julie) Wester, Alex (Christal) Beckman, Aaron Flannigan, Lauren Wester, and Morgan Wester; thirteen great grandchildren; and one great-great grandson; brothers: Palmer Strom and Edwin Strom both of Vivian, SD; sister, Mary (Orville) Tatge of Benson; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her husband, Thelford; two sons: Larry Wester and Robert Wester; her parents; son-in-law, Charles Beckman; brothers: Ole, Harry, Lennert, Helmer, and Martin Strom; and a sister Hilda Strom.
