Gladys Westin

Gladys Eleanor (Seedorf) Westin was born on February 20, 1937 in Grand Rapids, MN to Melvin and Eleanor (Dawson) Seedorf. She grew up on the family farm in Deer River, MN. She was the second of five siblings (Lorraine, Gladys, Marian, Carol and Kenneth).

She was an active and excellent student. Gladys played the coronet and the piano/organ and sang in the church choir. She loved music of all kinds. She graduated in 1955 from Deer River High School and then went on to attend college at the University of MN, Duluth. Gladys graduated with a degree for Medical Lab Technician. While at the University, she met Bill Westin and were married on June 20, 1959. Gladys started her professional career at St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth. They then moved to Saint Louis Park, MN and Gladys went on to work at Methodist Hospital as a Medical Lab Technician. On November 3, 1960 their son Mark was born. In 1966 they moved to Bettendorf, IA, then moved back to Excelsior, MN in 1968. She returned to Methodist Hospital briefly. In 1969 she took a position as an instructor at Saint Paul TVI (Technical Vocational Institute), where she taught the Medical Lab Technician program. She had a wonderful and rewarding 32 year career, dedicated to educating her students to the standards required to enter into their profession. She also attended classes herself at the University of Minnesota where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree. In 1975, she moved to Woodbury, MN.

During her career at St Paul TVI, she was a member of the MFT (MN Federation of Teachers) Union. She got involved with the support and operation of the Union, which she thoroughly enjoyed. She was the Vice-president, then President of the Saint Paul Federation of Teachers, positions she held for multiple terms.

With her friends and family, she enjoyed golfing, camping and fishing. Gladys loved to travel and was fortunate to see many places in the world, but she had a particular fascination and draw to the people and cultures of the southwest United States. She liked to keep up with the local and national news. Gladys was also an avid sports spectator. She kept up with all the local teams, professional and collegiate, and watched many of the games. She also loved music, theater and art. Gladys attended many concerts, plays, and exhibits. She truly loved and adored her granddaughter Natalie, and was fortunate to care for her on a weekly basis, during Natalie's early years. They formed a special relationship, which continued until her final day. Gladys was determined to stay on this earth as long as she could, to see Natalie grow. Her love and commitment never wavered, but her body finally surrendered and she passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on February 18, 2018.

She is preceded in death by her parents Melvin and Eleanor Seedorf, her sister Lorraine Seedorf, and brother Kenneth Seedorf. She is survived by her son Mark, daughter-in-law Dawn, granddaughter Natalie, sisters Marian (Elton) Cunningham and Carol (David) Chandler, nieces Sara (John) Travis, Denise (Mark Altier) Chandler, nephews Dwight and Jeff Seedorf, great nieces and nephews Ashley and Axl Seedorf, Amanda and Emma Travis, Peter and Brady Altier, cousins and many friends.

Memorial service Friday, February 23, 2018, 11:00 A.M. at WOODBURY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 7380 Afton Road, Woodbury with a gathering of family and friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Medical Lab Technician Program Scholarship at Saint Paul College or Children's Home Society/Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota.