Barbara E. Westphal

Barbara E. Westphal obituary, Iron River, MI

Barbara E. Westphal

Barbara Westphal Obituary

Visit the Jacobs Funeral Home, Inc. of Iron River website to view the full obituary.

Barbara E. Westphal, 94, of Iron River, MI passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025.

She was born on November 27, 1931, in Beechwood, MI, the daughter of the late John and Touvi (Maki) Kosky. She attended the Iron River Schools, graduating with the class of 1950.

Barbara married Ray Westphal on September 18, 1954, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stambaugh, MI. The couple celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in 2015. Ray preceded her in death on August 16, 2016.

Barbara was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she was a past council member and treasurer. She was also a former member of the Lady Elks and Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 410. She enjoyed ceramics, bowling, crafting, berry picking, canning and making jellies and root beer, and spending time at Hagerman Lake and especially her time in the sauna.

Barbara is survived by her sons, Mark (Fran) Westphal of Cape Coral, FL and Steven (Donna) Westphal of Iron Mountain, MI; daughter, Suzanna (Ric) Wisniewski of Rockwall, TX; sister, Janice (Kenneth) Truel of Spread Eagle, WI; grandchildren, Ryan (Amanda) Westphal, Amy (Tim) Anderson, Jessica (Colin) Mitchell, Michelle Wisniewski, Collin (Molly) Hirthe, Rebecca (Sean) O’Driscoll, and Austin Hirthe; great-grandchildren, Henry, Ella, Jackson, Emily, Malcolm, Aiden, Grayson, and Hayden; her constant companion, Dixie the dog; close friend, Sherry Stuck; nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Services will be held at a later date.

Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery.

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

Jacobs Funeral Home, Inc. of Iron River

405 West Cayuga Street, Iron River, MI 49935

Make a Donation
in Barbara Westphal's name

How to support Barbara's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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 more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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
Ways to honor Barbara Westphal's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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