Richard Orlin Westlund

Richard Orlin Westlund

November 25, 1951 – May 20, 2024 

Richard Orlin Westlund, 72, of Hoyt Lakes, MN passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 20, 2024. He was born in Ashland, WI on November 25, 1951, to Orlin and Margaret Westlund. Rick was a U.S. Army Veteran who served in Vietnam. He had owned and operated Rick’s NorthStar Lanes and retired from US Steel as a Millwright. He also served as vice president of USW Local 1938. Rick married his high school sweetheart Belinda Williams on May 9, 1970. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and all things outdoors. Deer camp with his good buddies Al, Carl, Donald, Lynn, and Richard was a national holiday.  In his younger years Rick and his siblings spent hours on Colby Lake water skiing and all were members of the Boat Club. Rick spent many years coaching his son Todd in the Hoyt Lakes youth hockey program.  He also coordinated the summer UMD hockey school with his good friend Lynn. He dearly loved his grandchildren and found joy in sharing his love of the outdoors in the boat, in deer stands, and on the four-wheeler, and watching them participate in a variety of activities and sporting events.  

Rick is survived by his wife of 54 years Belinda, children Todd (Tracy) Westlund, Mark (Brian Jensen) Westlund, siblings Robert “Bob” (Mary) Westlund, Mary Lou (Ron) Conley, Deb (Ron) Stenerson, Diane (Dave Klammer) Kindsvater, and Steven (Jeraldean) Westlund. Grandchildren Jack, Joe, Elizabeth, and Ella Westlund, nephews Jake Kindsvater, Joel Ullyott and Zachary Westlund, nieces Jennifer (Matthew Fetterer) Westlund, Jeri Gustafson and Lexis Westlund, great-niece Margaret Fetterer, and great-nephew Henry Fetterer. 

Rick was preceded in death by his parents and a son Richard Ryan Westlund. 

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday May 28, 2024, at 11:00 am at Faith Lutheran Church, 301 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Hoyt Lakes, MN 55750 with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be at the Hoyt Lakes Memorial Cemetery immediately following the service. Military Honors will be Accorded by the Aurora/Hoyt Lakes Color Guard. Arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home, Aurora. 218-229-3160.