Earl Westphal

Earl Westphal
Earl John Westphal, 89 of Midland, went home to his Lord Jesus this Saturday, January 31, 2026 surrounded by loved ones at My Michigan Midland Medical Center. Born to Wilhelm and Lydia (Krentz) Westphal on the family farm on April 18, 1936, Earl continued to live there and work the farm his entire life. He was born and raised in the Lutheran faith and never lost it.
A hard worker, Earl never stopped moving for long. He started working at Saginaw Steering Gear around 18 years old and quickly saved up enough to buy a brand new Farmall 200 tractor to continue working the farm. He worked at SSG for 44 years, where he was recognized for his dedication and perfect attendance. He was only late ONCE thanks to a severe snowstorm. He loved farming, fishing, hunting, traveling to the UP, and especially spending time with his grandkids, the J boys and J girls.
Earl married Peggy Jean Finney on February 7, 1959, nearly 67 years ago. They were blessed with four children – Marcus Westphal, Margo Novak, Monica Stillwell, and Tamara Roth. Their blessings continued with seven grandchildren – Jeffrey, Jessica, Jared, Jacob, Jenna, Jolene, and Jonah. They now have eight great-grandchildren – Jacob, Noah, Sophia, Jaina, Faith, Jordan, Baylor, and Maxton. He was preceded in death by siblings Frederick (Charlotte) Westphal, Edward Westphal, Martin Westphal, Marie (Floyd, Charles) Griebe, Freida (Douglas) Strachan, Emma (John) Tiede, Norman (Patricia, Louise) Westphal, Lorenz Westphal, Herbert (Ruth) Westphal, and Wilhelm Westphal. He is survived by siblings Meta (Earl – deceased) Hyatt and Irene Westphal, and in-laws Larry (Dixie – deceased) Finney, Charles (Judy) Finney, Sharon (Michael) Mikols, Nancy (Lee – deceased) Pavlik, Charlene (Robert – deceased) Giguere, Kathleen (William) Pike, and Patrick (Jean) Finney, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
His faith in his Lord and Savior showed through his love for his family and his dedication to helping others. He was well loved and will be sorely missed.
Funeral services for Earl will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1501 N. Saginaw Rd. His family will receive friends at Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler St., on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Our Savior Lutheran Church in Midland. All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored the Westphal family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one.