Arthur LeRoy Westergren Sr. | 1962 - 2024
Posted Apr 2, 2024 | 12:13 PM by Megan Sexton / 53 views
PIERRE, SD – Arthur “Art” LeRoy Westergren Sr., a cherished father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away at the age of 61 on March 23, 2024, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, following a brief illness. A Memorial Open House celebrating Art’s life will be held from 5:00-7:00pm, Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Magpie’s Gathering Place at 109 Deadwood Street in Fort Pierre.
Born on December 10, 1962, in Gregory, SD, to Carl and Sarah (Severin) Westergren, Art grew up in the Winner area that he would always hold close to his heart. Art’s early life was filled with the joys of rural living and the strong bonds of family. At the age of 17, he took a significant step by joining the Army National Guard. His dedication to service was evident in his over 10 years of commitment, including a tour in Desert Storm, before he retired from the military. Art’s experiences in the Guard shaped him into a man of discipline and honor, traits that he carried throughout his life.
On November 24, 1982, Art married Brenda Hillmer, in Pierre, SD. Their union was blessed with four wonderful children: Arthur “AJ,” Sven, Dana, and Craig. Art was a devoted father, instilling in his children the values of hard work, kindness, and the importance of family. Although Art and Brenda amicably parted ways in 2007, they continued to co-parent with love and respect for the sake of their children.
Professionally, Art was known for his strong work ethic and his ability to fix just about anything. He spent many years working in maintenance, with one of his notable positions being at the Ramkota Hotel. His colleagues respected him for his reliability and his willingness to lend a hand whenever needed.
Art’s leisure time was often spent immersed in the worlds of science fiction books, enjoying the latest movies, or engaging with friends and family through the wonders of technology on his computer. His hobbies were a reflection of his imaginative spirit and his love for stories that explored the boundless possibilities of the universe.
He is survived by a loving family who will miss him dearly: his brother Carl and Carl’s wife Geneva Westergren; his son Arthur “AJ,” AJ’s wife April, and their children Ashton, Ayla, and Aubrey; his son Sven, Sven’s wife Brittany, and their children Bastian, Gavin, Johnathan, Olivia, and Emmalyn; his daughter Dana; and his son Craig, Craig’s wife Shelley, and their children Gabryelle, Steven, Graig, and Montgomery. Art also leaves behind his nephews Donnie, Ben, Callie, and niece Amelia, who will cherish the memories of their fun-loving uncle. Art was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, his sister Donna, brother-in-law Niel Abrahamson, nephew Kayle Abrahamson, and an infant grandson, Arthur Westergren III.
