Mary Jane Westerhausen

Mary Jane Loose Westerhausen, 67, of Ypsilanti, ND, died February 12, 2026, at her home in the presence of family following a brief journey with a terminal illness.

She was born December 11, 1958, in Jamestown, ND, to Lawrence and Ardelle (Ziesch) Loose and was raised on the family farm near Woodworth. At age ten, she purchased her first purebred Polled Hereford heifer, beginning a lifelong commitment to cattle ranching. 

Mary Jane graduated from Woodworth High School in 1977 and attended college briefly before marrying her lifelong love, Leon in 1979 and dedicating the next several years to being a stay-at-home mother to their three children. She re-entered the workforce as the secretary for Concordia Lutheran Church before transitioning to the Alfred Dickey Public Library in 1997. She later resumed her education at VCSU and earned an English degree in 2008. Even as her health declined, Mary Jane continued her work as a Cataloging Librarian, often working from home with Leon acting as her book courier between the library and their home.

In 1995 she and Leon acquired a ranch near Ypsilanti, ND. There, Mary Jane was able to return to her roots and her passion for producing high-quality Simmental Hereford Cross cattle which she considered her life’s defining work. 

Mary Jane enjoyed many hobbies, including music, reading, writing, gardening, and watching sports. She was a devoted fan of the Minnesota Twins, ND Class B teams, as well as NDSU and UND. A gifted writer, she authored numerous short stories drawn largely from her own experiences. She has had her work published multiple times in the University of Jamestown’s journal, Plainsong. She tasked her family with publishing the book she wrote but was unable to finish. She loved playing guitar and cherished family singalongs, especially when her children and grandchildren learned new instruments or introduced a new song.

Mary Jane treasured her friendships, particularly the annual gathering of friends from her first year of college, which she faithfully attended each year. She never missed an opportunity to invite relatives and friends for dinner and good conversation, and she deeply valued every family reunion.

In her final request, Mary Jane asked those who knew her to forgive her for any transgressions, and she freely offered forgiveness in return. She spent her final days with joy and peace, secure in her unwavering faith and in the promise of God’s gift beyond this life.

Mary Jane is survived by her husband of 46 years, Leon; her children, Daine (Randy) Flieth and their children Cullen, Emma, Andre, Lawrence, Wyatt, Zoe, and Hazel; Levi (Danielle) Westerhausen and their children Adelle and Andrew; and Mariah Westerhausen. She is also survived by her sister, Stephanie (John Avery) Loose; her brother, Larry (Bonita) Loose; sister-in-law Jan (Ron) Thoreson; brothers-in-law Robert (Chris) Westerhausen and Allan (Leta) Westerhausen; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Ardelle Loose, and her parents-in-law, Floyd and Evelyn Westerhausen.

Those interested in honoring Mary Jane through a memorial donation are encouraged to consider Concordia Lutheran Church’s handbell or organ fund or Luther House in Rochester, MN.


Prayer Service- 7:00 PM Friday, February 20, 2026 at Haut Funeral Home in Jamestown with visitation beginning at 4:00.

Funeral Service- 1:00 PM Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND.

Interment- Valley Cemetery, Ypsilanti, ND.

Arrangements- Haut Funeral Home, Jamestown, ND.

The funeral service will be recorded and available to view here late Saturday.
The prayer service livestream/recording can be viewed here- https://hautfuneralhome.livecontrol.tv/f6f5113d