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MITCHELL WESTERFIELD Obituary

MITCHELL H. "MITCH" WESTERFIELD, 54, died unexpectedly on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014, at home. Born May 21, 1960, in Davenport, Iowa, he was a son of Gerald and Donna (Oaks) Wester field. He was the youngest of six children born in nine years. Mitch remained forever the center of intense attention and affection by his brother and four sisters. He graduated from Castle High School, Newburgh, Ind., in 1978. He served honorably in the United States Air Force and settled in Fort Wayne after his discharge. He was a member of American Legion Post 296. Employed by IPFW, he will also be remembered fondly by many as the outgoing, friendly, karaoke-singing bartender that enriched the lives of those he met. Mitch relished Tuesday lunches with family and friends at a favorite restaurant, The Oyster Bar. He loved inventing special dishes, which he photographed weekly to entice Facebook friends. Mitch loved all animals and featured touching videos about them on Facebook almost daily. Most of all, he cherished time spent with his Father, G.P. They were golf partners and shared many special meals together, along with fishing trips. A loving son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend, Mitch is much loved and deeply missed. Mitch is survived by his father; sisters, Lane Westerfield of Fort Wayne, Tracy (Tom) Phelps of Chandler, Ariz., Laurie (Bill) Fisher of Gilbert, Ariz., Emily (Richard Hambrock) Blackman of Fort Wayne; brother, Martin Westerfield of Columbus, Ind.; nephews, Andy Westerfield of Fort Wayne, Shawn Phelps of San Diego, Calif., Joe (Megan) Utterback of Fort Wayne, Matthew Westerfield of Greenwood, Ind., and Joel Fisher of Gilbert, Ariz.; niece, Katie (Hunter) Abbey of Springfield, Mo.; and six great nephews and great-nieces, Tyler, Colin, Cameron, Marin, Rowen, and Greer. He was preceded in death by his mother in 2002. A private funeral service will be held on Monday. Visitation is from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014, at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home for Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Road, Fort Wayne (IN 46809). Mitch will be cremated and interred in a private ceremony at Lindenwood Cemetery at a later date. Preferred memorials to Animal Care & Control, a local not-for-profit for which Mitch volunteered many years, or any other animal care organization. To leave condolences, please visit www.elzey-patterson-rodakfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Dec. 12, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for MITCHELL WESTERFIELD

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Tony L. Miller

December 6, 2024

Whenever Mitch would travel he would always make sure to bring back White Castles by the case or crate. I didn't travel as often, but I did reciprocate when I did travel. I still miss you my FRIEND.

Cheryl Baus

December 15, 2015

I knew Mitch a long time ago at Camp New Amsterdam in Holland while serving in the USAF. He was truly a wonderful man. I will always love you, Mitch. RIP. My sincerest condolences to the Westerfield family.

Mark Schmidt

December 30, 2014

My heart is very heavy. Mitch, Bill Harmon and I were very close when we were stationed at Kunsan Air Base, Korea. I loved him like a brother and will newever forget our time together My prayers go out to the Westerfield Family.

David Clippert

December 16, 2014

Mitch and I were roommates in the dorms at RAF Lakenheath. We had quite a few good times and lots of laughs! You will be missed Mitch Rest in Peace.

Dan Corlett

December 15, 2014

The Dan Corlett family would like to let the Westerfields know that they are in our prayers at this very tough time. The Corlett's and the Westerfield's had many great times back in Davenport. Dan,Leslie,Erica,Connor,Andrew and Anna.

Eric Gass

December 14, 2014

Mitch you will be missed, I will treasure the many memories I have with you.
To Mitch's family I am sorry for your loss. Mitch was a great friend to me and I will treasure the time I had with him.

Debby Rodriguez

December 12, 2014

Mitch touched my life in so many ways...he was always there whenever you needed him...work, vacations or just playing golf with him, he was always so enjoyable...I will miss him as I'm sure so many others will...Hugs and prayers to all his family members and friends...

Chris Knight

December 12, 2014

To Mitch's family, I share your grief and send my deepest condolences. Mitch was a special part of my life for several years, and I hold tightly to those precious memories. May God send comfort and peace to all family and friends who mourn the passing of this very special guy.

Shannon Farkas

December 12, 2014

My heartfelt condolences go out to Andy, Joe, Lane and the rest of the family. Mitch was an amazing man and loved by many. He was the kindest guy and we bonded over our love for animals. He would post pug related things on my facebook page. He also put me in touch with Heather Harrold who volunteers for a pug rescue, which then I became involved in. We ended up adopting to more pugs and I owe that all to Mitch. I am so sorry that he is no longer with you all and I wish you peace in this time of sorrow.

Romelia Rodriguez

December 12, 2014

I want to extend my deepest of sympathies to all the hearts that this beautiful and loving person touched. He was one of the most generous and giving of love, persons I have ever met. Never a bad word to say of anyone. "Mitch, You rescued me, one night at the 412 long long ago, and I will always be grateful. Until we meet again... Heaven has received one of the ultimate Earth Angels." Ro

Mindy Dennen-Rynard

December 12, 2014

There are no words that can express how deeply I loved Mitch - after almost 30 years, we reconnected and had some long talks and shared lots of laughter. Always have Mitch, always will. To Mitch's family - my deepest sympathies for your loss - know that he loved you all dearly and we will all miss him.

Preston Benzinger

December 12, 2014

Mitch you made your mark in life and everyone who met or knew you is better for it.

Hartley & Sue McLeod

December 12, 2014

Mitch, you will be missed by everyone who knew you! May you soar with the angels now and forever more! Thank you for serving our country.

Melissa (DeWitt) Miokovic

December 12, 2014

I am deeply saddened to hear of Mitch's passing. He was full of kindness and laughter and always made me feel like family. Much love and many hugs sent to you Lane, Andy, Joe, and family.

December 12, 2014

What a pleasure to have known Mitch. I worked at Animal Control for about 5 years with him. One of the nicest, most sincere people I have ever known. He will be sadly missed.

Ton miller

December 12, 2014

Mitch I miss you so much that I'm struggling to find the words to express it. But I can tell you this... my trips out of town with traditional stops at White Castle will never be the same. I love you man. You are and will forever be my friend.

Andy Westerfield

December 12, 2014

I will hold my memories of you very closely. As will everyone else who had the pleasure of knowing you, the kindest man in many of our lives. I miss you greatly uncle Mitch and love you so very much.

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