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James Westrich Obituary

ALGOMA - James Lawrence Westrich, 74, passed away at home from complications of bladder cancer on May 2, 2013. James was born November 6, 1938 in Racine, WI, to George and Ruth Mildred (Lawrence) Westrich graduating from St. Catherine's High School and Spencerian School of Business in Milwaukee where he met the love of his life, Elizabeth Mary Gruber. After marrying on March 3, 1962 in Racine, WI they moved to Fort Leonard Wood, in Dixon, MO where Jim served in the Army. He then began his 41-year career in Algoma with The Gleason Corporation which culminated in being the General Manager and Vice President of the Algoma Net Co., a position he held for the majority of his career. "Mr. Hammock" grew tiny Algoma Net Co. into national prominence as a leader in outdoor leisure products and travel bags. "Jimbo" was a charter member of Northbrook Country Club where he spent countless hours golfing, playing cards, serving on the board, along with supporting the Evans Scholars Foundation by employing and humoring numerous caddies along the way. Additional accomplishments included 3 President's Cup Titles, a memorable "Fathers Day" hole-in-one, and "100 holes of golf in a day" for charity. James was active at St Mary's Parish as a CCD Teacher, lector, fundraiser, Knights of Columbus Member and dartball player. He served as Chairman of the Algoma Memorial Hospital Board for 4 years along with many other civic roles. He will always be remembered for his engaging personality, lengthy conversations and friendly "hello's & waves" to all he passed while walking the town. Jim was very proud of his wife and family and made spending time together important, especially the annual Westy Open. One of Jim and Liz's greatest joys was traveling the world and enjoying the people they met or knew along the way. Fun times with the grandchildren included golf cart rides, walking the beach, and savoring a black cow with "Gramps." James is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, (Saint) Elizabeth (nee Gruber). Children Lizanne Armstrong (Kevin) of Fox Point, WI and their children Zachary, Adam, and Gabe. James II (Tricia Spellman) Westrich of Norwich, VT and their daughter Mary. Todd (Carole) Westrich of DePere, and Georganne Scherer (Kristopher) of Wayzata, MN and their children Hannah, Lucy, and Henry. Brothers Thomas (Sharon) Westrich of The Villages, FL, and George (Karen) Westrich of Racine, WI. His parents, his sisters Nancy and Mary, nephew Timothy, and grandnephew, Andrew, preceded James in death. Family and friends may call at St. Mary Catholic Church, 118 Church St., Algoma from 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 7th until the Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. William Swichtenberg officiating. Military Rites to follow the Mass at church. He competed well, finished the race, and kept the faith, 2 Timothy 4:7. Thank you to everyone at the The Cancer Team at Bellin Health and supportive friends. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to St. Mary's School, 214 Church Street, Algoma, WI 54201 and/or WGA Evans Scholars Foundation, One Briar Road, Golf, IL 60029-0301. The Schinderle Funeral Home, Algoma assisted the family with arrangements.

Published by Racine Journal Times on May 5, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Westrich

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My sincere condolences. May you find comfort and the strength to cope.

P E

May 18, 2013

Dear Westrich family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies with Jim's passing. He was a wonderful man and was always able to fill the room with laughter and fun. His spirit will live on. . . especially on the golf course and through his beautiful grandchildren and family! Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. God's Blessings to you all.
Mike, Jen, Grace, Ava & Will Karegeannes xo

Jen Karegeannes

May 14, 2013

Deepest sympathy Betty Baumstark & Family

Betty Baumstark Brickner

May 8, 2013

To the Westrich Family,

My deepest sympathy. I've known Jim for over 50 years. Jim started at Gleason Corp. just before I did. We were both just beginning our careers. I stayed with the wheel and hand truck group when Jim went on to Algoma. We saw each other at every Hardware Show for over 40 years and had great times and fond memories. He was a great guy and a good friend.

Ken Van Till

May 8, 2013

Dear Liz and family,

I have very fond memories of your husband and father. I babysat often when I was a teenager living across the street from you. Jim always encouraged me to further my education and use the gifts God had given me. Although I didn't see much of him after I left Algoma, my parents kept me updated about your family. I would certainly have come for the funeral if I wasn't working yesterday. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Kristine (Dier) Dauenhauer

May 7, 2013

Dear Mrs. Westrich and family,
My sympathies to you all.
Your husband and father sure was one of the nicest men I've ever known. I feel honored to have known him, he had such a wonderful personality, and will be missed by everyone.
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I'm sorry that I am working on Tuesday, otherwise I would attend the service.
With sincere sympathy,
Judy Cervantes

May 6, 2013

We will miss seeing Jimmy when we visit Algoma. His smile and outgoing way. The years have passed too quickly. Our heartfelt sympathy to Liz and family. Bill & Sara Davidson

May 6, 2013

Todd and entire Westrich Family,
I was very sorry to hear this news. What a great and full life to be celebrated! He lived life to the fullest extent everyday -- with so much to be proud of -- great dad, great husband, great family, great career, and most important, highly respected with lots of friends! Absolutely loved spending time with Jimbo at the Super Bowl in New Orleans. That was an epic time! Amazing memories. I have never seen, nor will I ever see someone who can work a TV remote like Jimbo could! He was always in full glory during the college bowl game season! I absolutely loved getting his "takes" on anything and everything. I could talk to him for hours. What a great guy, my only regret, is due to distance, I did not get a chance to be around him more. He will be missed. God Bless.

Dan Moran

May 6, 2013

Todd,
My sympathy goes out to you and your family. Your dad was a great role model and best friend to his children. I have many great memories of your dad and Eddie DeVillers at The Algoma Net Co.

Jill (Mertens) Fameree

May 6, 2013

Although he was a little chubbier than he was at St. Cat's, his eyes remained the same.........looks just like the Jim from when we were in school! Sounds like he had a wonderful life.....sorry for your loss!

Sandy Smolinski Seitz

May 5, 2013

We are so sad for your loss and send our deepest sympathies to all of the Westrich family.
Our prayers are with you all.

Cindy and Mike LeJeune

May 5, 2013

To Westrich Family
Sorry for your loss, enjoyed taking care of Jim. Was a pleasure to see him.
wendy cna Unity

wendy simonsen

May 4, 2013

Cousin Jim, I will always remember the excitement of the Christmas dinners at the Westrich's, the early years working for my dad at Gleason and the naming the street in Algoma. Sorry I couldn't get you into one more Green Bay Super Bowl party. Will miss your emails. God Bless.

Dan Mueller

May 4, 2013

Our friend T McQ says a legend has fallen, I couldn't agree more. Jimbo was the neatest personality that I have been around. No one could match his wit and make you laugh, his "takes" on the the world made him a legend. I was one of his "ALGOMA BOYS", he was so proud of his town. He always called me Joey and even as I enter my latter forties it doesn't sound childish coming from his "gruff" voice. He always put a smile on my face when I saw him at NBCC, it was always a shout of JOEY followed by a quick fist pump. Will always love ya Jimbo!
Joey Stangel (Schmoe)

Jos. Stangel

May 4, 2013

Liz and Children: Sorry we cannot be with you to celebrate Jim's lifetime of achievement. He knew how to keep the glass half-full and share his contagious personality. God Bless.

Audrey & Tom Murphy

May 4, 2013

To the entire Westrich family, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy. I knew Jim for a long time, and I know that not only you, his family, will miss him, but the entire community as well. He was a good man and we are better people for having known him.

Mark Groessl

May 4, 2013

My deepest sympathies to the wonderful Westrich family. Jimbo was always one of my favorites - he will truly be missed. Earth was a better place with Jimbo in it; heaven will be a better place now that he's there.

Steve Schoenborn & Mary Steffan

May 4, 2013

Now we know where Georgy gets her witty personality! Please accept our deepest sympathy. With Love, Anne, Joe, Patrick and Madelyn Egan

p.s. Georgy, your friends in MN are here to take care of you when you come home!

Anne and Joe Egan

May 4, 2013

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