Mary E. Westrum,
Mary E. Westrum (Utsinger) transitioned peacefully on September 20, 2026, at the age of 98. We all knew and loved her by many different names—Gramma Mayr, Snooks, Mare, and Mom.
Mary was raised on the Point in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, by her mother, Nellie, and father, Ruben. Utsinger Grocery Store, Sacred Heart Church and gatherings with her close-knit relatives on the family farms surrounding Grand Forks, were an important part of her early life. These people and places provided the love, faith, and strength she relied upon throughout her 98 years.
Mary attended St. Ben’s for her 1st year of college, but her calling to become a teacher led her to transfer to Moorhead State, where she earned her two-year teaching degree. Her 1st years of teaching took her to Kelliher, Cass Lake, and Clearbrook, MN. Mary often told stories about those early teaching years. She rented a room in Clearbrook where she was provided breakfast, ate lunch at school, and in the evenings gathered with friends for dinner at Mable’s Cafe. It was there that she met the owner’s son, Lyle Westrum.
Mary and Lyle dated for 4 years. During that time, Lyle played in the Yankees farm league and later served in the Army. They married in 1954 and moved to Fergus Falls, where they welcomed their 1st daughter, Cynitha. Soon, Lyle’s work brought the family to Erskine, MN, where they welcomed 2 more daughters. Mary returned to teaching in Erskine as a fifth- and sixth-grade teacher. During this time, the family decided to purchase a farm on Clearwater Lake, and Westrum’s Resort was born. At the resort, they rented boats, sold minnows, and entertained many relatives and friends. Mary and Frannie, Lyle’s sister and Mary’s best friend, worked hard while Lyle fished—a lot!—to provide walleye for the Friday night fish fries that brought everyone together.
In 1969, Lyle and Mary moved to Bemidji, where they purchased a home. Cedar Lane became Mary’s world, filled with wonderful friendships, including Margaret, Mary, Judy, and Jan. Mary also obtained her 4yr Teaching Degree at Bemidji University during this time. Mary began working at St. Philip’s School, where she found special, supportive, and lasting friendships among her fellow teachers. She remained there until her retirement. In 1972, Lyle passed away, leaving Mary to raise their 3 daughters. Once again, with the unwavering support of family and friends and guided by her Catholic faith, Mary continued to embrace her family & her life. She traveled with family and friends, including special friend Duane, volunteered at St. Philip’s, the Clothing Depot, Food Shelf and the Lions, and she also enjoyed the simple pleasure of staying home. Mary found joy in the people around her & in the many ways she could give of herself.
Through her grandson Gus, an entirely new generation became part of Mary’s world. Gus brought many of his friends into her life and before long, they too came to call her Gramma Mayr. That name says so much about who Mary was. She had a way of making people feel welcome, loved, and like they belonged. Her life was built around family, faith, friendship, service, and the simple joy of being together.
Mary leaves behind a beautiful legacy in her daughters, Cynthia, Julie (Paul), and Pat (Paula), grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchild, family, friends, and in all those who were fortunate enough to know and love her. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished as our Gramma Mayr, Snooks, Mare, and Mom.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, October 3, 2026 at St. Philip’s Catholic Church in Bemidji, MN. Visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Silver Creek Cemetery in Clearbrook, MN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Teacher's Amazon wish lists, Clothing Depot, Food Shelf, St. Philip’s school, or charity of your choice. Condolences may be left at ceasefuneralhome.com.