James Andrew Westeen

BESSEMER, Mich. - James Andrew Westeen, 58, of Bessemer, passed away on Monday, Oct. 7, 2019, at his home in Bessemer.

Jim was born on Nov. 19, 1960, in Wakefield, Mich., to the late Gilbert and Luretta (Tucker) Westeen. He graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer in 1978.

Jim loved nature and being outside, and throughout the years, he was fortunate to work at a number of places that allowed him to do that. He had previously worked in the woods alongside his brothers at Westeen Logging, then later working for Corullo Forest Products. For several years, he also owned his own business in the logging industry before moving to Dairymen's Country Club in Boulder Junction, Wis., where he was employed at the time of his death. He was one of the hardest working and kindest people you would ever meet, and he took pride in everything he did.

Jim loved nature, and you could find him outside every opportunity he could be. He enjoyed tending to his gardens and property and trips out to the lake, and his children were always impressed by his ability to be able to identify any tree and plant on sight. He loved having visitors up at the house for coffee, and he adored his two Golden Retrievers, Max and Grizz. Jim had recently taken up bowling and bragged to his kids about his ever-increasing average. He loved traveling to Arkansas where his children live and enjoyed the outdoors down south, as well as the BBQ; the Bikes, Blues, and BBQ festival; and "junking" down south. He never met a stranger and will be terribly missed by so many people.

He is survived by his children, Kelly Westeen (Gary Anttila) of West Fork, Ark. and Jesse Westeen of Tucker, Ark .; his adored dogs, Max and Grizz; grandcats, Kitty, Zoë and Koshka; siblings, Michael Westeen, Sr. (Pauline Rommel), Leonard (Barb) Westeen, Wayne Westeen (Linda Spaeth) and Paula (Matt) Mattson; special niece and nephew, Michael and Sherry Westeen; special friend, Jerri Pollack; and mother of his children and friend, Susan Westeen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and a special friend, Renee Babic.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, Oct. 11, at McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, 305 N. Lowell St., Ironwood, Mich., at 3 p.m. with Pastor Mike Hill officiating, preceded by a visitation from 2 p.m. until the time of the service.

As Jim always enjoyed the presence of his family and friends and a good party, the family also invites those who loved Jim to join them after the service to celebrate his life, location to be announced.

Cremation has taken place.

McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Ironwood, is assisting the family. For more information or to express online condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfunealhome.com.