Wilbur "Bill" Westphalen

Wilbur “Bill” Westphalen, of Plymouth, peacefully entered eternity with his Lord and Savior on Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton. He was 90 years old.

He was born in the family home in the town of Eaton in Manitowoc County, the son of the late Roland and Thekla (Schmitt) Westphalen. He attended Eaton Grade School.

Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army, beginning January 29, 1953. Following basic training, he was sent to Signal Corps School in Georgia. He was stationed in France, where his mission was to disarm caves. Sergeant Westphalen was honorably discharged December 31, 1954.

On September 4, 1955 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Eleanor “Ellie” Goeke, at St. John St Peter Lutheran Church in Cleveland. They were blessed with two sons.

He worked at the Kohler Company and then owned and operated a mink ranch from 1961 to 1989. He then was an owner/operator semi driver and finally drove a mink feed delivery truck for United Feeds until he had to retire for health reasons at age 82.

Bill was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, the American Legion Post #243, and the Plymouth Lions Club. He was past president of the Lion’s Club, had been chairman of the corn stand at the fair for many years, had perfect attendance for the first 52 years of 54 years of membership, was awarded the Melvin Jones Award and Lifetime membership.

Bill had an artistic flare. He could pick up an unusual piece of wood and envision how he could turn it into a decorative piece. He spent countless happy hours in his workshop designing and building unique bird feeders, reindeer, and many other items.

He enjoyed playing Buckup in a card club he started 50 years ago, had played his last game three weeks ago, and was the last of the original members. He also enjoyed having morning coffee with friends and the many trips he and Ellie took, especially the trips to Hawaii to visit their granddaughters, also enjoyed listening to Ellie play the organ and piano.

Bill will always be remembered and greatly missed by his loving wife of 67 years, Ellie, who was his cheerful caregiver the last several years of his life; sons, Gary and Mark; his grandchildren, Jill (Dylan) Rutledge and Amy (Michael) Kiley, and their mother, Dana Westphalen; his great-grandchildren, Janna and Riven Rutledge. He is further survived by his sisters, Evelyn Zeman, Harriet Kappelman, and Virginia (Donald) Dickrell; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Roland and Thekla Westphalen; sisters, Romilda Heinen, and Armella Sabell; his brother, Allen; brothers-in-law, Reuben Heinen, Thomas Sabell, Melvin Zeman, and Karl Kappelman; and sister-in-law, Lorraine Westphalen.

A funeral service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at St. John Lutheran Church, 222 N. Stafford St., with Rev. John Schultz officiating. Military Honors will follow at the church. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the St. John’s Lutheran Endowment Fund in Bill’s memory.

The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Wittkopp location, is assisting the family with arrangements.

“ For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosever believeth in Him should not parish, but have everlasting life.”        

 John 3:16