Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
John Westkaemper Obituary
John Conrad Westkaemper died peacefully in San Antonio on April 18, 2021 in the presence of loving family. He was a lifelong resident of Austin and San Antonio, born the eldest son of Erma and Peter Westkaemper in San Antonio on December 5, 1923.
He graduated from Jefferson High School before beginning aeronautical engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. His studies, which culminated in a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering, were interrupted by service in the U.S. Navy in radio technology.
Predeceased by his adored wife Joyce Brown Westkaemper and brothers Richard Westkaemper and Lawrence Westkaemper, he is survived by brother Robert Westkaemper, daughters Sarah Westkaemper Lake and Lisa Westkaemper (husband Alva Hascall) and grandson Andrew Peyton Lake.
His lifetime of work as an engineer in industry, consulting and as Professor Emeritus at U.T. was always a compelling interest. He was proud of the economic support his directorship of the wind tunnel at Balcones Research provided to the University as well as his many teaching awards from students and the John C. Westkaemper Scholarship in Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics.
John was a voracious reader, had a green thumb, was followed by dogs and children like a Pied Piper, and endlessly fostered the curiosity and engagement of his family.
A private burial will be at the Center Point Cemetery.
John Westkaemper was a rare type of man who is greatly missed. May he rest in peace.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Westkaemper
Michael Timmons
December 6, 2022
Dr. Westkaemper was an inspiration to me and his private chats with me encouraging me not just in his classes but while I was in other professors' classes gave me the confidence to realize that there is nothing that I cannot accomplish.
Jeremy Jagodzinski
May 4, 2021
I am constantly reminded of the engineering prowess and ingenuity of Dr. Westkaemper at the wind tunnel I manage for the Aerospace Department at UT on the J. J. Pickle Research Campus (formerly the Balcones Research Center). Dr. Westkaemper was integral to the development and success of this research lab, a legacy that will continue. He will be missed, but not forgotten.
My deepest condolences to Dr. Westkaemper's family and dear friends.
Sr.Shirley Vaughn
April 30, 2021
On behalf of the residents and staff of The Village at Incarnate Word, I offer our sympathy to Sarah, Lisa and John's brother Richard. It was our privilege to have John in our community for the past two years. May God grant all of you peace in your hearts as you mourn the loss of a great gentleman.
Terry Taylor
April 29, 2021
We extend our condolences to Dr. Westkaemper’s family, friends, and former colleagues. He was one of my professors at UT and was a great mentor to many aerospace engineering students. I was most fortunate to reconnect with him several years ago. He was special and will be missed.
Laura H Ford
April 27, 2021
Sarah, my heart aches for you and your family. We are never ready for this moment in our lives. I wish I had known your Father better, as I could tell from your stories that he was a wonderful father and grandfather, with great intelligence, and a gift for wit and humor. I loved the time we went to visit him, while being in San Antonio at your home, for a beautiful lunch, he so generously had catered, for the three of us. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family,
Laura Ford
Emily Little
April 27, 2021
Dr. Westkaemper was an admired scholar/professor, neighbor and the father of my lifelong friend, Sarah. He set a sterling example of devotion to science and family for us all. And his humor and curiosity won the hearts of many.
Philip Varghese
April 26, 2021
John will be missed by his former colleagues and students in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at UT. Our condolences to his family.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in John Westkaemper's name
Memorial Events
for John Westkaemper
How to support John's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Westkaemper's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
