Wesley Schierman, age 72, a resident of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota died Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at Sanford Health in Fargo, North Dakota.Wesley Dean Schierman was born April 2, 1940, in Pelican Rapids the son of Walter and Clara (Fossen) Schierman. Wesley attended school at the Pelican Rapids public school, graduating in 1958. He attended NDAC (now NDSU) in Fargo, ND for 2 years, majoring in architecture. Wesley transferred to Moorhead State University, majoring in education and graduated in 1963. He taught art and history at Springfield, MN for 4 years and began his 30-year teaching career in the Burnsville, MN school system in 1967, retiring in 1997. His post-graduate studies were done at River Falls, WI, the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and Mankato State University. Wesley married Judy Livdahl in Fargo in 1963, to which two sons were born, John and Joel. Wesley and Judy were divorced in 1978. Wesley married Mary (Dosch) Olson in 1980. Besides spending summers at Lake Lida, Pelican Rapids, they resided in Apple Valley, MN where Wes continued teaching and Mary was a flight-attendant for Northwest Airlines. When Mary retired in 2004, they moved to a permanent home they had built on their Lake Lida property. Mary was diagnosed with Mesothelioma in August, 2004, and she died in June of 2005. Mary left behind a daughter, Gail Drees, Austin, TX, 6 siblings, many friends and family members. Wes wanted to be remembered most for his spirit of giving, a zest for enjoying life's simple pleasures, a sense of humor he gained from Mary's keen wit, and the creativity he brought to many aspects of his life. In October of 2006, Wes was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, undergoing chemotherapy to bring him renewed health; later, a bone-marrow transplant. In 2007 he received blood cells from his twin brother, Warren and the procedure was successful. By fall an infection caused little circulation in his legs, so a double amputation was performed followed by a three month nursing home stay. All in all, Wes was of the opinion that things happen for a purpose and his belief was that one can be grateful for what one can still do, or be regretful of the things no longer possible. His faith in God, support from family, friends and neighbors kept him going through these most recent challenges in his life. Caregivers, he found, have a special place in heaven. He was grateful for a life of opportunities and thankful for the many people who were an important part of his life.Survivors include his two sons: John Schierman, Chaska, MN and Joel (Dori) Schierman, Faribault, MN, stepdaughter Gail (Jeft) Drees, Austin, Texas; 3 granddaughters: Cortnie, Samantha & Megan Schierman; step-granddaughter Amy Stransky and step grandsons Nate (Melissa) and Jim Drees,. He also leaves 3 siblings, Verna (Jerry) Johnson, Fergus Falls, MN, Warren (Lynn Becker) Schierman, Fargo, ND and Al (Becky) Schierman, Pelican Rapids, MN; special friend Kathy Benson, Moorhead, MN; several nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, a host of friends, former students and teaching colleagues. Preceding him in death were his wife Mary; parents; nephew Mark Johnson.Memorials preferred to Zion Lutheran Church, Pelican Rapids Class of 1958 Scholarship Fund, Pelican Rapids Library, Hospice or Donor's ChoiceVisitation: Sunday, July 22, 2012, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at Larson Funeral Home, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. Visitation resumes one hour prior to the service at the church.Service: 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 23, 2012, at Zion Lutheran Church, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota.Funeral Home:Larson Funeral Home304 3rd Street S.E.Pelican Rapids, MNUS 56572