Dennis Leroy Westphal

Dennis L. Westphal, of Fall River, WI, formerly of Juneau, WI passed away peacefully, surrounded by his daughters, on Friday, April 16, 2010 at the age of 84 years. Dennis was born on August 26, 1925 in Wahpeton, ND to William and Adelia (nee Jasmer) and raised in Hankinson, ND. It was in Hankinson, that he met the love of his life, Verla Medenwaldt; the couple married on June 15, 1952. They soon began a family of their own, having three beautiful daughters, of whom they were very proud. The couple farmed in North Dakota until 1963, when they moved to Juneau, WI. Dennis was employed at the Nehls Bros. Farm for over 25 years retiring in 1990. Even in retirement, he couldn’t stay away from the outdoors and spending time away from his first love, being in the fields on a tractor or combine. He worked part time for Gays Ranch in Waterloo for over 15 years. Among the love of outdoors, Dennis enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening. He had more than a green thumb when it came to raising Amaryllis plants, they were incredible in size and color. Dennis is survived by his treasured daughters and sons-in-law, Sherry (Robert) Koopmans of Randolph, WI, Faith (Jon) Malson of Hartford, WI, and Holly (Doug) Laitinen of Randolph, WI; loving grandfather to Heather Koopmans, Jenna (Mark Ertmer) Koopmans, Renee Malson, Sarah (Shawn) Boeder, Tyler Malson, Lacey (Josh Steckel) Laitinen, and Levi (Kayla Gorr) Laitinen; proud great grandpa to Olivia and Amelia; special son-in-law of Gertrude (nee Klawitter) Medenwaldt of Waterloo, WI; loving brother of Kenneth (Delores) Westphal of Plymouth, MN; dear brother-in-law of Merlin (Norma) Medenwaldt, Jim (Marie) Medenwaldt, Bill (Irene) Medenwaldt, Lyle (Patti Weber) Medenwaldt, John (Eileen) Medenwaldt, Ed (Joyce) Boldt, JoAnn Muehrcke, Sandra (Guy) Vogel, and Laura Radlund. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. Preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Verla, in November of 2000, his father-in-law; Alfred, his two sisters, Marjorie (Clarence) Rossow, Mavis Boldt, brother, Melvin (Delores) Westphal, and brothers-in-law, Robert Muehrcke, and Carl Radlund. Visitation is Wednesday, April 21 from 9:30 AM-11 AM at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Juneau. Funeral service will follow at 11 AM at the church. Rev. Paul Hirsch will officiate. Interment will take place at St. John’s Church Cemetery. Memorials in honor of Dennis, to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church of Juneau, would be appreciated. The Berndt-Ledesma Funeral Home-Juneau is serving the family. A special “THANK YOU!” from the family of Dennis Westphal to the Hillside Hospice and Staff for all the care and compassion shown in our time of need. It takes an extraordinary kind of person, to show such love and kindness and for that we were blessed to have you in our father’s life.

Dennis Leroy Westphal

August 26, 1925 - April 16, 2010