Edward James Westermeyer

Ed Westermeyer, passed away on Wednesday April 2nd, 2025, in Elk River, MN.

Ed was born August 3rd, 1943 in Graceville, MN to Edward and Dorothy Westermeyer. Ed was an only child but he had many cousins he was raised with, and oh the stories we have heard!

Ed joined the Navy in 1962 where he served an honorable 30-year career, including 4 combat tours in Vietnam. He retired as Chief Warrant Officer 4. The Navy allowed Ed to travel the world and raise his family in a variety of unique locations. He was a proud Navy veteran.

Ed married Ann McAlister on January 16th,1965. They just celebrated 60 years! They met in Browns Valley, MN in the 50’s. According to Ed, he wooed her by throwing rocks at her, lightly. Ann would roll her eyes to this claim. Ed adored Ann through his last day. They were blessed with 5 children and an abundance of grandchildren.

Ed always had wise words (Ed-isms), he was a great counselor, he loved hunting especially with his family, and woodworking was a pastime. If you went for a visit, you’d find him in his chair watching the news or history channel with a beer in his hand and the occasional “cough syrup” ready to educate you. When Ed spoke you listened even if it got long winded. If you were lucky enough, you might even get to see the occasional flying squirrel or barking spider hanging out on the bookshelf.

He is preceded in death by his parents Edward and Dorothy and stepmother, Audrey.

He is survived by his wife, Ann; children: Thane (Amy), Darah (Rebekah), Kynan (Angie), Jared (Melissa), Elisa (Derek) and many adoring grandchildren, brother and sister in laws, nieces and nephews, cousins and so many others.

Memorial service will be at Noon on Saturday, April 19th, 2025, at Dare’s Funeral Home, 805 Main Street NW Elk River, with visitation starting at 11:00 am. 

Reception immediately following memorial service at Elk River Lutheran Church, 729 Main Street NW (walkable from Dares).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edward James Westermeyer, please visit our floral store.