Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Darrell Westfall Obituary
Darrell E. Westfall, 86, of Stevensville passed away on Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022, at Spectrum Health Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph.
A celebration of life memorial service will be from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22, with a time of sharing beginning at 1 p.m., at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph.
Memorial contributions may be made Alzheimer's Association-Michigan Great Lakes Chapter, 564 S. Main St., Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48104; or Fulfilling Life Ministries, Attn. Doug or Vivian VerHoeven, A-5734 143rd Ave., Holland, MI 49423.
Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Darrell was born on May 11, 1935, in Grand Rapids, Mich. He was raised by Wayne and Mildred (Keso) Westfall.
He graduated from Muskegon High School in 1953, and continued his education by attending Michigan State University and earning a food service degree.
On March 1, 1958, Darrell married the love of his life, Pamela Hinga, at the former Zion Evangelical Reformed Church in St. Joseph.
In 1959, Darrell served his country in the U.S. Army. He served for two years, over in Germany. It was while in Germany, he and Pamela gave birth to their first child. Darrell began working for Shulers restaurants in St. Joseph and Marshall, as well as Crown Restaurant in Niles.
After a few years with them he went to work for Saga Food Service in college feeding. After numerous moves to various colleges, he finally spent 30 years at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Ill., where he retired.
After retirement, Darrell took up various crafting hobbies such as, cross stitch, latch hook and diamond painting. He also enjoyed reading and collecting Hardy Boys books and Chicken Soup books. Darrell was a people-oriented person to his core; he was always wanting to help any way that he could.
Darrell is survived by his loving wife of almost 64 years, Pamela; children: Dr. Mark (Jean) Westfall, of Neenah, Wis., Sharon (Theresa) Westfall of Chapel Hill, N.C., and Dr. Michael (Candice) Westfall of Stevensville; grandchildren: Kerry (Titus), Jenny (Jeremy), Laura, Alex, Emily, Tyler and Rebecca; and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Darrell Westfall
3 Entries
Thomas Gallagher
January 21, 2022
To Pam-I´m very sorry to hear about your loss. Darrell was a wonderful man.
Steve Chapman
January 20, 2022
Darrell was a key part of my experience as a student at Kalamazoo College. In his role supervising me at Saga Food Service he delivered clear expectations and important (and sometimes firm) developmental advice, all in the manner of kind uncle. He became an important enough friend to me and my friends that he remained a part of our informal reunions and regular zoom calls right up to the end. Fifty years! Darrell cast a kind and gentle light. I will miss him.
Rick Larson
January 19, 2022
I worked with Darrell at WIU. I´ll never forgot how welcome he made me and my family feel. He and Pam and I became friends. I´ll never forget Darrell for the kindness and patience he showed toward me and for all I learned from him. My condolences go out to Pam and the family.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Darrell Westfall's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Darrell Westfall
Jan
22
Celebration of Life
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Starks & Menchinger Chapel - Saint Joseph2650 Niles Rd, Saint Joseph, MI 49085
Funeral services provided by:
Starks & Menchinger Chapel - Saint Joseph2650 Niles Rd, Saint Joseph, MI 49085
How to support Darrell's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
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 moreResources to help you cope with loss
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 more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Darrell Westfall'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
