David Westphal

Westphal, David James

David James Westphal, 66, of Green Bay slipped peacefully into eternal life March 1, 2014, after a seven-year illness, with loving family at his side. David was born in Bonduel on August 13, 1947, to Alfon and Dolores (Simon) Westphal. He met his best friend, Rebecca Smith, and they were married 45 inseparable years. Their son, Eric, saw David as a man of his word with a deep faith who always had love and concern for others.

David loved anything John Deere and Stihl for his backyard projects and 'honey do' list, and enjoyed many breakfasts and car shows with his son. He loved his dogs, Teddy and Cooper, and Frazer before them. He was a Knights of Columbus member at SS. Peter & Paul Church, and a member of Esto Vir. He is best remembered for his giant corn cob hat at the picnic and corn roast. After joining St. John the Baptist Parish in Howard, he remained as active as health allowed.

A Vietnam veteran, David was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat. He served as Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 164 Fort Howard for five years, recently receiving an MOPH past-Commander pin for leadership excellence. He loved his MOPH brothers.

In addition to his wife and son, he is survived by his mother, Dolores; sisters: Sharon (David) Strehlow and Maxine (Robert) Schmidt; brothers: Andrew (Annette) Westphal and Paul Westphal; brothers-in-law: Lawrence (Beth Jones) Smith, Harold (Donna) Smith, and Kevin (Jessie) Smith; many nieces and nephews; uncle, Kaspar (Maurice) Westphal; aunts: Marian (Ted) Kupsky, Darlene Westphal and Ian Simon; cousins, friends and 'Bappas' special goddaughter, Elena Patz. He was preceded in death by his father, Alfon, and sister, Jane.

The visitation is Thursday, March 6th, at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2597 Glendale Ave., Howard, after 10:30 am with Funeral Mass celebrated at 1:00 pm, Fr. John Bergstadt presiding, followed by full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, David requested donations be made to MOPH Chapter 164 (Attn: Gary Lapp, 2537 Forestville Dr., Green Bay, 54304) or Unity Hospice (2366 Oak Ridge Circle, DePere, 54115).

Sincere thanks to Dr. Brian Burnette and Unity Hospice with loving thanks to Tara, Melissa, Jenny, Jessica and staff for love and comforting care; Harold and Donna for seven years of constant strength and support; cousin Jan Boice, always there with meals and prayers; and the St. John's team for meals and prayers, too.

David, we were blessed to have had you in our lives.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.marnochafuneralhome.com