Roger Allan Westerso

Roger A. Westerso, 58, Grand Forks, passed away Thursday, September 2, 2010 in the VA Hospital, Fargo, North Dakota from complications related to diabetes. Roger Alan Westerso, was born December 16, 1952 in Williston, North Dakota, the first born son of John and Irene (Fay) Westerso. He was raised and attended school in Williston and Alamo, graduating from Alamo High School in 1971. He then entered the US Army, serving from 1971-1977 serving with the 3rd Infantry Division, "Rock of the Marne". Upon returning to the states he attended NCSCS at Wahpeton, graduating with degrees in Diesel Mechanics and Architectural Drafting. He worked the oil fields as a mechanic and heavy equipment operator until 1985. He hopped on his Harley for the Wild life in Phoenix, Arizona. He returned to Grand Forks in the summers for the beet harvest, eventually making Grand Forks his home. Roger was an accomplished artist, designing signs in Phoenix, T-Shirts and decals for cycle shops, but his life's ambition was to design a monument to honor the veterans, which is reflected on a Veterans Harley which he built together with his cousin Clark Hagen. Roger is survived by his brothers, Charles and Reggie (Gina) of Williston; nieces Kyla (Eric) Hansen, Krista; nephew Eric; special aunt, Bernice Hagen and her children, Gayle, Marilyn, Lewis, Clark, Delwyn, Lynn and Lynnette; aunt Mayme Price and Uncle Charles Fay; special friends, John Hanson, Al and Julia Nieuwsma, Mary Rogers, Phoenix, AZ, friends at Kinko's; and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Irene Westerso; grandparents, Rasmus and Bertina Westerso, and Signe and Charles Fay, several aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral Services: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 7, 2010 in First Church of God, 2856 N. Washington, St., Grand Forks, with visitation one hour prior to the service in the church. A memorial service will be at 7 p.m. Friday, September 10, 2010 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Williston, North Dakota. Interment: at a later date in the North Dakota State Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND. Military Honors: will be provided by Grand Forks VFW Post 1874, and the North Dakota Army National Guard. Memorials: are preferred to First Church of God, Grand Forks.