Jean Westerbeck

Jean Westerbeck, 95, of West Burlington, died Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, at her home.

Born Feb. 22, 1930, raised on a farm near Kalona, she was the daughter of Albert and Alice (Kos) Stumpf. She was a 1949 graduate of Kalona High School.

She married the love of her life, Duane Westerbeck, on Sept. 8, 1956. He preceded her in death on July 14, 1968.

At a young age, Jean began working on an apple farm owned by Margaret and Stan Simpson. In addition, she nannied in New York and then moved back to Richmond and eventually to Burlington where she worked for Sylvania. She is best known for being a long-time child caregiver for over 30 years in West Burlington.

She was a member of Divine Mercy Parish.

She loved all flowers, tending to her yard, attending craft and antique shows with her sister Sally, taking care of her kids and grandkids, and spending time with her family. She was an excellent baker and cook.

She is survived by her six children, Brian Westerbeck, Kendra (Bill) Murray, Lisa (Rick) Bauer, Tonya Westerbeck, Phillip (Laura) Westerbeck, and Kelly (Charles) Baldwin; 15 grandchildren, Jevin Pierson, Brendon (Tess) Pierson, Chandra (Eulis) Baez, Megan (Adam) Wagner, Bill Murray Jr., Joshua Bauer, Ethan Bauer, Colton Westerbeck, Brock (Kelly) Westerbeck, Drake Westerbeck, Ian (Kelsey) Westerbeck, Quinton Westerbeck, Noah Baldwin, Caleb Baldwin, and Elisha Baldwin; nine great-grandchildren, Bryce Baez, Gavin Baez, Kaiden Baez, Breydon Pierson, Shelby Murray, Elly Murray, Pierce Westerbeck, Ace Westerbeck, Kinsley Westerbeck, and one on the way; sisters Barbara Strickler and Judy (Vere) Allen; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, great-grandson Adian Westerbeck, siblings, and in-laws, Margaret (Stanley) Simpson, Wilma Stumpf, Helen (Russell) Patton, Lorraine (Lee) Horn, Edwin (Peggy) Stumpf, Mary Ann (Amos) Mellinger, Lola (Lee) Hogan, Patricia (Robert) Beranek, Robert (Rita) Stumpf, Diane (Raymond) Spicher, and Sally (Pete) Hamilton.

Rosary will be prayed at 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at SS. Mary and Patrick Catholic Church of Divine Mercy Parish. Visitation will follow with family to greet friends until 10:30 a.m.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Jean Westerbeck will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at SS. Mary and Patrick Catholic Church of Divine Mercy Parish. The Rev. Father Jacob Greiner will be the celebrant.

Burial will be held in Richmond Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery, Richmond, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Divine Mercy Parish, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Compassus Hospice.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com.