BIOGRAPHY

Iris Westman was born in Aneta, North Dakota, USA on 28 August 1905, to Nicholas Ole Westman (1867–1930) and Matilda Taermanta Erickson (1872–1940). She had four siblings: Eva Fernanda (1898–1908), Roland Mortimer (1900–1986), Ina Lenora (1907–1908), and Sydney Edward Westman (1909–2000). She was the only daughter in her family to survive to adulthood, as her two sisters died as children. Westman recalled helping her mother knit for the troops during the First World War.

She was baptized on 25 December 1905, at New Luther Valley Lutheran Church in rural McVille, and later confirmed at Sundahl Lutheran Church in Aneta on 9 November 1920. She attended Aneta schools from first through twelfth grade, graduating in 1923.

In 1923, Iris enrolled at the University of North Dakota, which she said was simply the closest university to her home — “just where everybody went,” she recalled. Iris never joined a sorority, explaining that money was tight. She remembered attending school on the smallest budget possible, knowing she would need funds not only to join but also to afford the nice clothes expected. During her time at UND, she sang in the university choir and held fond memories of her graduation day, when a parade marched down University Avenue in celebration. She earned her degree from the UND College of Education.

Iris began her teaching career in Killdeer, North Dakota, where she served as both a high school principal and English teacher. She later taught in Aneta and Hillsboro, also in North Dakota. During this period, she attended summer sessions at the University of Minnesota’s School of Library Science, earning her degree in 1946. She spent five years as a school librarian in Staples, Minnesota, before moving to Worthington, where she served as an elementary school librarian until her retirement in 1972.

Westman never married and had no children. She once shared that she had an opportunity to marry, but chose not to — a decision she believed left her parents somewhat disappointed. Nevertheless, she was surrounded by generations of nieces and nephews.

Throughout her life, Iris traveled extensively across the United States with family and friends, and also took tours to Mexico, Canada, and Europe. Wherever she lived, she actively participated in community and church life — especially in choir groups.

In 1990, she moved to Grand Forks and took up residence at Parkwood Place. In May 2012, she relocated to Northwood Deaconess in Northwood.

At the time of her 113th birthday in 2018, Westman was still able to get around with the help of a walker and was reportedly in good health. In 2020, Westman’s 115th birthday was celebrated with a drive-by parade outside her nursing home; visitors were forced to keep at a distance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Westman died at Northwood Deaconess Health Center in Northwood, North Dakota, USA, on 3 January 2021, at the age of 115 years, 128 days.

RECOGNITION

It is not clear when Westman became the oldest living person in North Dakota, but it is believed to have been before she turned 110. On 29 October 2016, Westman officially became the oldest person ever recorded from North Dakota after surpassing the previous record of 111 years, 61 days, set by Mary Schumacher (1898–2009).

Her age was validated by the Gerontology Research Group on 1 September 2017.

At the time of her death, Westman was the second-oldest living person in the United States, behind Hester Ford.

Upon her passing, Clarabell Demers succeeded her as North Dakota’s oldest living resident.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Alumni focus: The oldest North Dakotan, Iris Westman ’28 is still learning” – University of North Dakota, 11 December 2019

* “North Dakota’s oldest resident and farmer Iris Westman dies at age 115” – agweek, 4 January 2021

* Iris Westman Obituary – Iverson – Kassian Funeral Services

* Iris Clarice Teresa Westman – Find A Grave

GALLERY