Alvin L. “Pete” Westfall, 78, died at 10:38 p.m. in St. Vincent’s Hospital, Indianapolis, IN., on Thursday, January 19, 2012.
Pete was born in Reynolds, IN., on March 25, 1933. He was the son of Errol J. and Louise (Lawyer) Westfall.
He graduated from Reynolds High School with the class of 1951 and then served in the Indiana National Guard.
On June 7, 1953, in Kokomo, IN., Pete and Phyllis Jo Davis were married. The couple has made Plymouth their home since 1968. Pete’s career in men’s retail apparel started in Rensselaer, IN at King The Clothier and then Lauer’s in Plymouth. He later became a self-employed painter.
Pete was active in the Boy Scouts and Little League baseball. He was a member of the First United Church of Christ, Plymouth where he had served on the consistory board.
He is survived by Phyllis, his wife of 58 years and by their two sons and a daughter. They are Steven L. (Sharon) Westfall, Plymouth, Larry J. (Elizabeth) Westfall, Western Springs, IL., and Diana “Kay” (Gene) Cords, Reynolds, IN.
Also surviving are seven grandchildren; Bryce Westfall, Jessica Ramberger, David Westfall, Peter Westfall, Travis Cords, Brant Cords and Tara (Chad) Dahlenburg along with three great-grandchildren; Noah, Kinley and Devyn Dahlenburg. A brother Theodore (Joyce) Westfall of Reynolds also survives.
Pete was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Donna Snyder.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 25th in the First United Church of Christ, 321 N. Center Street, Plymouth. The family will receive guests at the church one hour prior to the service. Pastor Anna Marie Kneebone and former Pastor Robert Ahrendt will officiate.
Private interment will be held at a later date in the New Oakhill Cemetery.
Memorial gifts in Pete’s name may be given to the First United Church of Christ, 321 N. Center St. Plymouth, IN 46563 or Marshall County Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 524, Plymouth, IN 46563.
Candy Peacock says
My heart is with you today and in the days to come.
Margaret Light says
All the best to you and the rest of the family in this difficult time.
Carol Wilson Ernsberger says
I\’m so very sorry for you Larry, and your family, on the loss of your father. May God bless and comfort you in this difficult time. Carol Wilson Ernsberger
Jennifer Brushwood says
I am deeply sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. It had been many years since I last saw Great Uncle Pete, but I will always remember his warm smile and kind eyes.
Sharon Butvilas says
To Larry, Beth and their sons,
My deepest sympathies on the lost of your father and grandfather and may he rest in peace. He lives in your heart and memories forever. May the dear Lord give you strength and courage to get through this difficult stage in life and ease your grieving over time.
Jenny Vlazny says
Dear Larry, My deepest condolences to you and your family for the loss of your father. Even when the parent has lived a long and full life, the loss leaves a pain and whole in your heart that has no comparison. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this tragic time.
Claudia and Andy Steele says
Larry,
You, Beth, and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I share your sorrow and loss but know you will bewith your father again.
God bless you and know that Andy and I are praying for you at this time and always.
Lorretta Dahlenburg says
Arnie, I and our family, are sorry to hear of Pete\’s death. He was a fine man, and was a great person to sit a talk to. Phyllis and family know that you are in our prayers and thoughts.
Arnie and Lorretta Dahlenburg
Ann Marie Lehmann says
Dear Larry-
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. My thoughts are with you and your family during this time.
Ann Marie Lehmann
John and Susan Vance says
Larry John and I are so sorry to hear your news! We did not know your father but knowing you, I am sure he was a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
Sincerely,
John and Susan Vance
Patrick Yates says
Aunt Phyllis, I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Pete passing away. Growing up he was someone whom I always looked up too and respected. He was such a greatb guy. We\’ll miss him.
Jill Enderby says
Larry and family,
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I have fond memories of meeting him and Mrs. Westfall at the lake house. I also remember in engaging in some banter with him about Plymouth\’s Blueberry Festival. I know that words cannot assuage your grief. I pray that you find comfort with God, family, and friends.
Lynda Denson says
Larry,
I pray that God will continue to strengthen you and your family during this time of grief. I pray especially for your mom to stay encouraged after losing her husband of 58 years. Continue to cling to God and to each other and He will strengthen your heart and your spirit. And remember that your friends will continue to be there, praying for you and your family.
Respectfully,
Lynda Denson & family
Tink Cooley says
Phyllis, I was so sorry to hear of your loss of Pete, Kay and I had kept in touch for a short time and my prayers are with you and the family. I do remember the good times we had on the farm back in the woods and memories that my mom and dad shared with me about Pete. You are in my thoughts,
Kathy Parker says
Steve,
I was so sorry to hear of your father\’s passing. I remember him when he worked at Lauer\’s. He was a great guy & had a wonderful sense of humor. Please know that our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family during this very difficult time.
Don & Kathy (Jung) Parker
Holli Shorter-Pifer says
Mrs. Westfall, Steve, Kay , and Larry,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Mr. Westfall\’s humor over the years. I know he will be greatly missed by your family.
May God bless you all.
Holli Shorter-Pifer
Bill Kirkley says
Steve, I was very sorry to hear of your dad\’s passing. Its always difficult to lose a parent. I remember your dad helping me buy clothes years ago at Lauer\’s. I always liked him. Just wanted you to know I was thinking of you. Take care Steve.
Bill Kirkley
Charlie Stoner says
To the Westfall Family
I was so surprised when I read the local paper.
I have thought of all of you so many times. I don\’t drive nights so I can\’t visit
WE have lost track of each other over the years but I have such wonderful memories
of our days in Rensselaer.
I want you know you are in my thoughts If you are ever in the Monticello area
I would love for you to stop in.
Sherri Reynolds says
Steve and Kay
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. As teenagers I remember how he use to tease with all of us kids, he had such a good sense of humor. May the good memories help ease you through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Sherri Hatfield Reynolds
Julian \"Jud\" Rouch says
Betty and I are saddened to hear of Pete\’s passing. As I am working on a pipeline, we will not be able to attend the services, but do wish that we could. I have always considered Pete to be one of my best friends. I will miss him!
Neysa and Liz McFarland says
Phyllis,
We are so sorry for your loss. I am glad we got to know Pete. He was a nice man.
Mary Lou Leavell Bernett says
Dear Phyllis,
I just read about Pete\’s death and wanted you to know how sorry I am. Tom and I enjoyed you and your family so much over the years as policyholders and friends. Please know that I am thinking of you and hope your and your family are doing well. Pete was a super guy and will be sorely missed. Please take care.
Sue Heintz says
Oh, Phyllis, thank you so much for letting me know. I feel so bad for you! Pete was a
great guy and you were such a wonderful couple. You are in my prayers. Trust in the
Lord as I know you will. He will help you readjust. And that is a long process. But the
more you pray and trust the Lord, the better it becomes. He has a new plan for you, just like he had for me. You never know where it will take you, but it will fulfill you in a different
way. Love you so much!
Sue
Karen Cooley Jennings says
Dear Phyllis, Steve, Kay and Larry:
Our deepest condolences at Pete\’s passing. I have so many memories of picnics and just great times on the farm. As a family we were always so close in the earlier years of our lives. It was so nice to have so many cousins so close in age. You and the family are always in our prayers and thoughts. Know that Pete is now safe and no longer suffering.
John Guild says
Dear Family of Pete Westfall,
I was sorry to hear that Pete passed away. I have good memories of him, both as the really nice guy who helped us when my mom took me to Lauer\’s to shop for clothes (not my favorite activity, in spite of Pete\’s great personality) but more as the father of my good childhood friend, Larry.
Larry, my condolences to you and your family. I feel for you because I know what it\’s like to lose your father. I think of my dad often and you will probably do the same. I wish you and your family the best.
Sincerely,
John Guild
Marcia Rettinger says
Dear Westfall family, Phyllis, I worked with you in the office at Bosworth\’s and I appreciated knowiing you and Pete. My husband, Bob, worked with Pete for a short while at Culver Cove and he always respected Pete greatly. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. With Sympathy, Bob & Marcia Rettinger
Candy Peacock says
My heart is with you today and in the days to come.
Margaret Light says
All the best to you and the rest of the family in this difficult time.
Carol Wilson Ernsberger says
I\’m so very sorry for you Larry, and your family, on the loss of your father. May God bless and comfort you in this difficult time. Carol Wilson Ernsberger
Jennifer Brushwood says
I am deeply sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. It had been many years since I last saw Great Uncle Pete, but I will always remember his warm smile and kind eyes.
Sharon Butvilas says
To Larry, Beth and their sons,
My deepest sympathies on the lost of your father and grandfather and may he rest in peace. He lives in your heart and memories forever. May the dear Lord give you strength and courage to get through this difficult stage in life and ease your grieving over time.
Jenny Vlazny says
Dear Larry, My deepest condolences to you and your family for the loss of your father. Even when the parent has lived a long and full life, the loss leaves a pain and whole in your heart that has no comparison. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this tragic time.
Claudia and Andy Steele says
Larry,
You, Beth, and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I share your sorrow and loss but know you will bewith your father again.
God bless you and know that Andy and I are praying for you at this time and always.
Lorretta Dahlenburg says
Arnie, I and our family, are sorry to hear of Pete\’s death. He was a fine man, and was a great person to sit a talk to. Phyllis and family know that you are in our prayers and thoughts.
Arnie and Lorretta Dahlenburg
Ann Marie Lehmann says
Dear Larry-
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. My thoughts are with you and your family during this time.
Ann Marie Lehmann
John and Susan Vance says
Larry John and I are so sorry to hear your news! We did not know your father but knowing you, I am sure he was a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
Sincerely,
John and Susan Vance
Patrick Yates says
Aunt Phyllis, I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Pete passing away. Growing up he was someone whom I always looked up too and respected. He was such a greatb guy. We\’ll miss him.
Jill Enderby says
Larry and family,
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I have fond memories of meeting him and Mrs. Westfall at the lake house. I also remember in engaging in some banter with him about Plymouth\’s Blueberry Festival. I know that words cannot assuage your grief. I pray that you find comfort with God, family, and friends.
Lynda Denson says
Larry,
I pray that God will continue to strengthen you and your family during this time of grief. I pray especially for your mom to stay encouraged after losing her husband of 58 years. Continue to cling to God and to each other and He will strengthen your heart and your spirit. And remember that your friends will continue to be there, praying for you and your family.
Respectfully,
Lynda Denson & family
Tink Cooley says
Phyllis, I was so sorry to hear of your loss of Pete, Kay and I had kept in touch for a short time and my prayers are with you and the family. I do remember the good times we had on the farm back in the woods and memories that my mom and dad shared with me about Pete. You are in my thoughts,
Kathy Parker says
Steve,
I was so sorry to hear of your father\’s passing. I remember him when he worked at Lauer\’s. He was a great guy & had a wonderful sense of humor. Please know that our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family during this very difficult time.
Don & Kathy (Jung) Parker
Holli Shorter-Pifer says
Mrs. Westfall, Steve, Kay , and Larry,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Mr. Westfall\’s humor over the years. I know he will be greatly missed by your family.
May God bless you all.
Holli Shorter-Pifer
Bill Kirkley says
Steve, I was very sorry to hear of your dad\’s passing. Its always difficult to lose a parent. I remember your dad helping me buy clothes years ago at Lauer\’s. I always liked him. Just wanted you to know I was thinking of you. Take care Steve.
Bill Kirkley
Charlie Stoner says
To the Westfall Family
I was so surprised when I read the local paper.
I have thought of all of you so many times. I don\’t drive nights so I can\’t visit
WE have lost track of each other over the years but I have such wonderful memories
of our days in Rensselaer.
I want you know you are in my thoughts If you are ever in the Monticello area
I would love for you to stop in.
Sherri Reynolds says
Steve and Kay
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. As teenagers I remember how he use to tease with all of us kids, he had such a good sense of humor. May the good memories help ease you through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Sherri Hatfield Reynolds
Julian \"Jud\" Rouch says
Betty and I are saddened to hear of Pete\’s passing. As I am working on a pipeline, we will not be able to attend the services, but do wish that we could. I have always considered Pete to be one of my best friends. I will miss him!
Neysa and Liz McFarland says
Phyllis,
We are so sorry for your loss. I am glad we got to know Pete. He was a nice man.
Mary Lou Leavell Bernett says
Dear Phyllis,
I just read about Pete\’s death and wanted you to know how sorry I am. Tom and I enjoyed you and your family so much over the years as policyholders and friends. Please know that I am thinking of you and hope your and your family are doing well. Pete was a super guy and will be sorely missed. Please take care.
Sue Heintz says
Oh, Phyllis, thank you so much for letting me know. I feel so bad for you! Pete was a
great guy and you were such a wonderful couple. You are in my prayers. Trust in the
Lord as I know you will. He will help you readjust. And that is a long process. But the
more you pray and trust the Lord, the better it becomes. He has a new plan for you, just like he had for me. You never know where it will take you, but it will fulfill you in a different
way. Love you so much!
Sue
Karen Cooley Jennings says
Dear Phyllis, Steve, Kay and Larry:
Our deepest condolences at Pete\’s passing. I have so many memories of picnics and just great times on the farm. As a family we were always so close in the earlier years of our lives. It was so nice to have so many cousins so close in age. You and the family are always in our prayers and thoughts. Know that Pete is now safe and no longer suffering.
John Guild says
Dear Family of Pete Westfall,
I was sorry to hear that Pete passed away. I have good memories of him, both as the really nice guy who helped us when my mom took me to Lauer\’s to shop for clothes (not my favorite activity, in spite of Pete\’s great personality) but more as the father of my good childhood friend, Larry.
Larry, my condolences to you and your family. I feel for you because I know what it\’s like to lose your father. I think of my dad often and you will probably do the same. I wish you and your family the best.
Sincerely,
John Guild
Marcia Rettinger says
Dear Westfall family, Phyllis, I worked with you in the office at Bosworth\’s and I appreciated knowiing you and Pete. My husband, Bob, worked with Pete for a short while at Culver Cove and he always respected Pete greatly. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. With Sympathy, Bob & Marcia Rettinger