Annajane Westrum

On March 26, 1921, the eldest daughter of James and Anna Julia (Newbauer) McMullen was born in Duluth, MN. They named her Annajane Collette McMullen and much to her disliking, many called her Anna so she soon became known simply as Jane. At the young age of two, the family moved to Crookston, MN, where her younger sister, Katherine “Kay”, was born. Shortly thereafter, Anna Julia and her two young girls moved to Fargo, ND, and spent the next several years sharing space with Grandma and Grandpa Neubauer. Jane began working in 1938, during the summer months, at Manchester Biscuit in Fargo, followed by nine years at FW Woolworths. She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1940 and later went to work for Rinehart Brothers, where she would meet, Henry Westrum, a young man going past the storefront twice a day. After a short courtship, Annajane McMullen was united in marriage to Henry O. Westrum on April 1, 1947, in Moorhead, MN. The couple made their home in Fargo where their children were born. Later the family moved to Dilworth, MN, where Hank drove for Greyhound Bus and Jane took in laundry and ironing into their home for many years. After 17 years, they moved back to Fargo and Hank continued driving bus until his retirement in the early 80’s. During the oil boom of the 1970’s, they purchased a bar in Killdeer, ND, and all the family moved out west. They remained living in Killdeer as their children and grandchildren slowly moved back to the Red River Valley. Hank died on September 18, 1993, and Jane remained in their home. She later downsized to an apartment and then moved into Hilltop Home of Comfort. Jane recently moved back to Fargo, ND, to be closer to family. She quietly and peacefully slipped away with family at her side on Monday, June 15, 2015, at the age of 94 years young. Jane was a strong willed woman with many wonderful qualities. Her personality was one of many colors. She was known to be rather spunky and outspoken with her words and actions. You always knew where you stood with her and if you didn’t it was only because you weren’t listening. However, on the other sleeve, the one that usually held a hankie or kleenex, Jane was very caring and thoughtful. She loved all of her family and you couldn’t have asked for a better mom and grandma. She remembered all the kids, grandkids and great-grandkids birthdays and always had a little something to send to them. She always had an overflowing dish with some type of chocolates or hard candy and at least two or three Louis L’Amour books nearby. She had a love for reading and read nearly every book he has written and several more than once. In her younger years, Jane enjoyed dancing, driving for miles just for lunch and a good Miller Lite with friends and family. Jane is survived by her children: Stacy (Stein) Rommesmo, John (Sheila) Westrum and Dana (Paul) Cleveland, all of Fargo; 12 grandchildren: Blake, Blair, Britt, Dawn, Paige, Prentiss, Paizlee, Kristian, Kjell, Karee, Logan and Danielle; 12 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.In addition to her husband, Jane was preceded in death by three children: Leslie, Donnie and infant, Blake; and her only sister, Kay Roper.Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2015 at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo, ND. Visitation was 1 hour before the service. Interment took place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Fargo, ND.

Annajane Westrum

March 26, 1921 - June 15, 2015