Barbara Jean Westeen

BESSEMER, Mich. - It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Barbara Jean (Bubba) Westeen, who left us on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the age of 82. She was a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Barbara was born on Jan. 28, 1943, in Minneapolis, to Gus and Helen Dahl. At the age of 5, she and her family moved to Hurley, Wisconsin, where she was raised and graduated from Hurley High School.

Barbara had a lifelong love for cooking and sharing her culinary talents with family and friends. Her kitchen was always filled with warmth, laughter and the aroma of delicious meals prepared with love. She dedicated years of her professional life as a cook working at Gogebic Community College and later more than 20 years at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital (Grand View Hospital), where her hard work and kindness touched the lives of many until her well-earned retirement.

Barbara had a special love for bingo, which brought her immense joy and camaraderie. She would often bring some charms with her, believing they would bring her luck. Her vibrant personality lit up every bingo hall she visited. Through her love for bingo, Barbara made many cherished friendships that enriched her life. She loved her Green Bay Packers and Detroit Tigers, where she spent countless hours with family and her companion, Leonard, cheering them on with strong dedication and cherished her time with her loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gus and Helen Dahl; and siblings, Richard (Shirley) Dahl, James (JoAnne) Dahl, Helen (Smee) Dahl and William Dahl.

Barbara is survived by her three cherished children, Suzanne (Mark) Pedrin, Bessemer, Deborah (James) Knight, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, and Dennis Higgins Jr. (Starr), Bessemer; three beloved grandchildren, Kyrie Driskell, Heather Jean Higgins and Jenna (Drew) Pacino; and two step-grandchildren, Marsha Williams, and her daughters, Jordyn and Nevaeh, and Melissa Fiori, and her daughter, Destiny. She was a proud great-grandmother to Elijah Driskell. Additionally, she is survived by her lifelong companion, Leonard Westeen.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 12, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at Sharon Lutheran Church, 100 E. Sellar St., in Bessemer, with the Rev. Brittany Barkus officiating.

Following the service, a luncheon will be served at the Kastman Hall at Sharon Lutheran Church.

A committal service and interment will take place in the spring at the Hurley Cemetery.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.