309 West Parkdale Avenue (US-31)
Manistee, Michigan
BRETHREN -- Dr. Jeffrey Westheimer, 67, of Brethren, passed away Sunday, March 18, 2018, at his home after a short battle with cancer.
The son of Berthold and Ellen (Stern) Westheimer, he was born on July 14, 1950, in Norwich, N.Y. As a child growing up on a farm, he knew from age 5 he would be a veterinarian. He pursued his dream at Michigan State University, earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1972. Following graduation, he married fellow MSU alumni Judith Hodges on June 17, 1972.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Judith, and two children -- Melinda (James) Kremsreiter, of Mount Pleasant, and Jamie (Lisa) Westheimer,of Tustin. He immensely enjoyed his grandchildren, Jerik, Jolie, Larissa, David and Apolinar. He is also survived by his sister, Roby (Michael) Cohen, of Dexter; and two nieces, Julie and Josie.
Since 1974, Jeff practiced veterinary medicine in Manistee County, forming his business Manistee Veterinary Hospital. Jeff was an avid stamp and glass collector. He was an active supporter of 4-H for over 40 years. He served on the Brown Township Board of Trustees and participated in Men Who Care. He founded the nonprofit, Hearts for Critters.
Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place with no memorial service planned. Jeff would have appreciated contributions in his memory to Hearts for Critters, 4006 Chippewa Highway, Manistee, MI 49660; or Manistee County 4-H, 385 Third St., Suite B, Manistee, MI 49660.
The Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Manistee has been entrusted with arrangements. To share a photo or story with the family, please visit Jeffrey's personal page at www.oakgrovefh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Audrey
March 14, 2022
I was just thinking about Jeff recently. So sorry he is no longer with us. Judy, hope you are doing well.
Nicole Bromley
March 27, 2020
He has proven to be irreplaceable.
I knew that when he was with us.......now as we are forced to find other care for my 5 animals....im reminded on a monthly basis how amazing and kind and generous and blessed we were to have known him
To his family I say.....THANK YOU for ALL the times he was away from you all to take care of our four legged family members....
Stacey & Jamey Garcia
March 30, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Dr Westheimer was a very thoughtful, caring and compassionate man. He has always been there for my families pets and has always provided them with the best of care. He will be missed.
Dan & Sheryl Revolt
March 29, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. He will be missed by many fur babies and humans. May you rest in peace Doc.
Michelle Adolphson
March 25, 2018
We have lost a wonderful Vet and friend....He was so tender hearted when we had to put down 2 of our furbabies...We had so much trust and respect for him.....God bless his family...
Audrey & Mike Slezak
March 23, 2018
Judy and family...
So sorry for your loss! Jeff was one of a kind and I can't believe he's gone. Hugs and prayers for you.
Sue Sartor
March 22, 2018
This great man will be sorely missed by myself and our family. He was compassionate, caring and always up front with his diagnosis because he knew I could take it. I loved his humor and wit. He will forever be in our hearts and minds.
William and Theresa Przybylski
March 22, 2018
We are so broken hearted to hear of your passing. Our hearts go out to your family. You were the best Dr. to care for our loved ones. You showed us sympathy and concern and love when our TikkiTuu became sick and soon after, went to the rainbow bridge. And when our Smudgey had urinary tract infection and couldn't get rid of it, you would call my home to see how he was and gave me your number in case I needed you. God bless you, dear Doctor. There will never be anyone like you ever, in this life time. Please give all our babies kisses for us. RIP
Amanda (Schoedel) Taylor
March 20, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Dr. Westheimer was an amazing role model for us. I will always cherish the education he shared with us on farm calls and the support he showed us in 4-H.

Lexie
Julie Parker
March 20, 2018
Thank you Dr. Westheimer for all the care you gave our animals when we visited from Florida. You were a true lover of animals and cared for the humans that loved them too. We will truly be lost on where to take our animals when we are visiting Manistee and Onekama Michigan! I know Manistee County must be so sad and heartbroken! It was too soon for you to go! May your family feel the love that surrounds them! You were a good man Dr. Jeff!!
Tracey Hubbard
March 20, 2018
I'll never forget his words to us on a sad day for our family: "Have a better day." Thank you Dr. Westheimer for your compassionate care of our pets. We knew you cared and you will be missed.
March 20, 2018
"Have a better day."
Steve and Rose Milliman
March 20, 2018
Our sincere sympathy to Judy and family. Jeff was the best at taking care of our animals for 34 years plus doing house calls on his way home from work. He will be missed!! No other will replace him. As well the love he had for Mopars. Never knew what Jeff and Judy would be crusing in on week-ends or at car shows!! Great Man and family!! In our thoughts and Prayers,sending ((HUGS))
Phil and Kristie Harless
March 20, 2018
Our sincere sympathy to Judy and family, Dr. Jeff was always there for us when one of our 13 dogs needed care, we will miss him,
March 20, 2018
We will truly miss Jeff's wit and wisdom as our vet of over 20 years. I can hear his voice as he examined our dog's cataract, "It's not so bad, he just can't read the fine print." He was so caring of all things great and small and people as well. So sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed by many. Our love and prayers go out to his family.
gloria mckenzie
March 20, 2018
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord..andvmay perpetual light shine upon him.
Gods peace to Jeff's family. We were honored to have known him and call him friend.
nikki bromley
March 20, 2018
I have no words only intense love and emotion for the most kind generous caring man and Dr. I have had the extreme pleasure of knowing. His kindness knew NO LIMITS....take care of our animals on the bridge for us you knew a large majority of them. You will be missed by the animals and the humans you always took care of, THANK YOU. Boo boo bear...noonan...sophie...miss moppit...pork chop...Bahama mama..and little PC will be meeting you again giving you lots of kisses.
Dan & Cathi Holtz
March 20, 2018
We have been on epic journey with this good man for 29 years, 14 cats, and 5 dogs. He WAS "part of our family!!" We are crushed and will truly miss him!!
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Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center - Manistee309 West Parkdale Avenue (US-31), Manistee, MI 49660

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