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Lanny Westerman
1950 - 2025
FUNERAL HOME
1007 W South Jordan Parkway
South Jordan, Utah
Lanny Westerman Obituary
1950 - 2025
South Jordan, Utah - Obituary for Website: Lanny Jay Westerman
Lanny Jay Westerman passed away quietly at home on Friday, September 12, 2025. He had several illnesses in the past two months culminating in his final departure. Lanny was a wonderful individual showing kindness to all and injecting humor into all his conversations. His life began in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 8, 1950, born the third child to Gale Alvin and Phyllis Lorraine Mandeles Westerman. His family lived in Garfield, Utah at the time of his birth moving to Morningside Heights in Holladay and finally to their new home in Kearns, Utah in 1954 where he spent the rest of his growing-up years. He participated in activities with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, scouting, delivered newspapers, and worked at the University of Utah part time. Lanny graduated from Kearns High School in 1968. He then worked at Kennecott Copper Magna Mill until leaving for a LDS mission to the Central States on October 24, 1969. Lanny returned home from his mission in 1971 and began attending the University of Utah. He worked in Heating and Air Conditioning at the same time. In August 1972 he meet his future wife at an M-Men and Gleaners' (Young Adults) Sunday Night meeting and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on May 17, 1973. Lanny finished his Bachelor of Science degree in 1977 and a Master of Arts degree in history in 1983; both degrees from the University of Utah.
Throughout his life Lanny had many joys and sorrows. He and Sandy were unable to give birth to their own babies, but they adopted two wonderful children. Rebecca Jane was born November 11, 1982 and Benjamin Lanny was born November 11, 1986. Lanny started his career as an 8th grade English teach in 1979 at West Jordan Middle School. Lanny and Sandy moved from a rental home in Kearns and purchased a home located in West Valley City, Utah in 1979. In 1983 an opportunity to transfer to West Jordan High School occurred where he taught English for one year before starting as a history teacher, his ultimate goal. He also taught night classes at Salt Lake Community College for two years.
In 2012 Lanny retired and spent his time reading and writing history. During his career he received awards including district Teacher of the Year, Excellence in Teaching award, Excellence in Education award, and was chosen to attend a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship at Tuffs University and then the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation history forum, as well as an NAF Conference in New Orleans. At Brown University he attended the Gilder-Lehrman teachers' seminar.
In 1987 Lanny was sustained as bishop to the Granger South First Ward where he served for five years. Soon after in 1993 the family purchased a new home in South Jordan where they lived until 2020. Lanny watched as both of his children were married and in 2003 Lanny's first grandchild was born-Desiree Nicole Sill. Seven more grandchildren followed including Ariana Jane Elizondo, Braxton Robert, Peyton Benjamin, Nicholas Lanny, Karter J., Grayson J. and Arora-Rose Sandra Westerman. Lanny has a deep love for his grandchildren and enjoyed whenever they visited.
Lanny and Sandra loved to travel and were able to visit Italy, Israel, and Great Britain and 49 states, all except Hawaii. Historical stops were their favorite venues. In 2020 Lanny sold his home and moved to an apartment where he and his wife have lived until now.
Lanny is survived by his wife, Sandra Jane Martindale, his brother Sidney Gale (Ramona) Westerman, two children, Benjamin Lanny (Flavia) Westerman and Rebecca Jane Westerman, and eight grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents and Sister Laura Jean Westerman Medley.
Viewing/Funeral: A viewing will be held at the Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Chapel at 1007 W. South Jordan Pkwy, South Jordan, Utah from 6:00-8:00 pm on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. A viewing will also be held at 10:00-10:45 am on the morning of Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 11420 S. 700 W., Draper, Utah with funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment at the South Jordan Cemetery located at 10630 S. 1055 W., South Jordan, Utah directly after the funeral.
Thanks to all those who helped with the services, especially the River View 9th Ward for the preparations and aide.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lanny Westerman
Sponsored by Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Chapel & Cremation Center - South Jordan.
26 Entries
Gary Campbell
Earlier today
I was a student of his the last two years he worked at West Jordan High,
He was easily one of the best people I ever had the opportunity to know and the world lost a really great human being, I can still remember him introducing himself on the first day of class as a curmudgeon which he was far from!
Jim and Karen Mandeles
Earlier today
Sandy, Sid and Ramona and all of your families. I was sad to hear of Lanny's Passing. He had a Joyful spirit that just makes me smile thinking of my many interactions in my youth. He will be sorely missed until we all meet again.
Dr. Mary Pearson
September 18, 2025
Mr. Westerman was one of the best teachers I had! He was funny, but serious. I cannot tell you how often in life I've realized that other people REALLY needed to have had Mr. Westerman's AP US History class!! I learned so much history from his class, but also how to write essays, gained an interest in historical sites, an understanding of history from numerous perspectives, and life skills I've used ever since. He was a great man, wonderful instructor, and made a difference in my life I will always be grateful for!! Thank you Mr. Westerman!!!
Todd M. Paxman
September 18, 2025
Definitely deserved all of the accolades he received as a teacher. One of the most effective teachers and caring people I knew during my formative years. My condolences to his family.
Taunja Somerville Baxter
September 18, 2025
Mr. Westerman was wonderful. His AP US History course was the best preparation I received for college. But more than that, he helped prepare me for life. I am deeply grateful that I had the privilege to be taught by him. Condolences to all who will miss him.
Bonnie Soelberg Bingham
September 18, 2025
Mr. Westerman was a one-in-a-million teacher. He taught history and how to think for oneself. Lots of love to his family.
Marc Watterson
September 17, 2025
Mr. Westerman was my favorite high school teacher and one of the most influential people in my life during my teenage years.
Mr. Westerman taught US History and Current Events. But what he really did was teach us life lessons and the value of hard work. He taught us the value of self affirmation and speaking positively about ourselves. In fact, before we took any test in his class he would have everyone stand and recite Stuart Smalley's "I'm good enough. I'm smart enough. And doggone it, people like me!" (followed promptly by the "Mortimer Moose University" salute).
He famously quipped some of my favorite one-liners, including being "busier than a one-legged man at a butt kicking party!"
But more important than any of that was that I considered Mr. Westerman to be a friend. An adult who cared about his students and challenged them to reach for their potential.
Rest in peace Mr. Westerman, til we meet again!
Jil Somerville Bircher
September 17, 2025
I was a student of Mr. Westerman´s his first year at WJMS. His jovial attitude and thought journal prompts made 8th grade bearable. So happy to hear about the great life he got to lead. One of my favorite teachers ever.
Jennie Peterson
September 17, 2025
I have never really loved history, but I loved Mr. Westerman's AP History class. I remember lots of stories about when he was selling fire and life insurance for 2 years. I learned to look at history from a different perspective. Also, I don't know if I would have survived college without learning how to properly take notes during lecture in his class. He was a great teacher, and great man.
Gina Newbold
September 17, 2025
I'm sorry to hear about Mr. Westerman's passing. He changed my life and will forever be one of my favorite teachers.
Matt Glazier
September 17, 2025
I had Mr. Westerman for AP American History at WJHS. He was an amazing teacher, and instilled in me a love of history. I still remember his "Don't Marry a Bum" lecture, and that we had to take notes on it. I loved that class. Thank you Mr. Westerman, and my thanks to your family for sharing you with us!
Lawrence Green
September 17, 2025
I always enjoyed talking with Lanny when we worked together at West Jordan High School. He was an outstanding person. Happy, friendly with really good values. Best wishes to the family. I know Lanny has been well received on the other side of he veil.
Deborah Kendall Brown
September 17, 2025
Lanny was just 1 day older than me and we spent lots of school years together. He was a fun person to know
Beth (McClendon) Sakaguchi
September 17, 2025
Mr. Westerman was an excellent teacher and person. I don´t think I realized this till I was older and working in a school how he had just the right balance of structure, knowledge, humor and feedback. He had high expectations, and I had a love/hate relationship with his chronologies, but it helped me to grow. I still remember some of his stories from AP US history, and wish my children had a teacher like him. Thank you Mr. Westerman for a life enriched!
Lynette Lake Johnson
September 17, 2025
I became a history teacher because of Mr. Westerman. Then, as a first year teacher he generously shared all of his lecture notes with me. He told me that now that we are colleagues I should call him Lanny, but sorry you will always be Mr. Westerman to me. Thank you for sharing your love of history with so many and changing the world to be a better place.
Amy Fox
September 17, 2025
I'll never forget Mr. Westerman writing on a prompt about what I wanted to do for my career to follow my dreams and never give up. I know he inspired many others, too. It's teachers like these that change lives forever.
Todd Allen
September 17, 2025
Westerman was one of my favorite teachers at WJ High. He was a very caring man. He included each of his students and challenged them to become the best version of themselves. Thank you sir for your love and passion for each of your students well being.
Susan Van Leeuwen Marchant
September 17, 2025
I´m sorry to hear of Mr. Westerman´s passing. His love for history and our country was inspiring. Thank you for sharing him with so many Jaguars through the years.
Randy Young
September 17, 2025
Sandy, it is a pleasure being friends and associates of you and Lanny.
Our hearts and prayers extend out to you through this time of morning and grief.
We remember meeting you and Lenny when you moved into our neighborhood and Ward.
Lanny is a gentle giant. The two of you are examples of goodness, love and strength.
May the blessings of heaven sustain you. May the memories of Lanny lift you each day.
We love you.
Randy & Dianne Young
Angela Lowder Kinsley
September 17, 2025
Mr. Westerman was one of my favorite teachers in High School. He helped build on my love of history, even while I slept through his class (it was right after lunch) thank you Mr. Westerman for all you gave! RIP
Don Funk
September 17, 2025
It was a pleasure teaching with you and knowing you as a friend .
Erika Polley
September 16, 2025
He was my favorite teacher. On September 11th, 2001 He understood the importance of giving us a break from constant news coverage and turned off the tv to talk instead of watching it happen over and over. That will always stick with me from that day.
Belinda taylor
September 16, 2025
Mr westernan was one of my fav teachers @ WJMS and WJHS.
Belinda Taylor
Sherene Easter
September 16, 2025
He was such a friend snd favorite teacher ( AP American History) I loved his teaching and gained a lifelong sense of patriotism and reverence for our great country.
Mr. Westerman remained a friend long after I graduated, and I will never forget him.
Richard Ferguson
September 16, 2025
Few people have had as big of an impact on my life as Lanny. He was a friend, confidant, and one of my biggest cheerleaders. He was a remarkable home teacher, never missing a visit and my young family loved him and his messages. Our mutual love of history allowed us to develop a strong friendship as we discussed so many books, personalities and contemporary events. I was always strengthened and enlightened by my visits with him. I will so greatly miss him, but know that I shall see him again someday.
Bill & Carol Lawrence
September 15, 2025
Carol and I were so saddened to hear of the passing of our dear loving Home Teacher/Ministering Brother of 25 years, our friend, confidant, and loving brother last Friday. He was ALWAYS there, loving and supporting, sharing good times and bad, and simply loving. He was a shining example of the Savior.
Our hearts are reaching out to Sandy, and to his family. May we serve them as Lanny served us.
Till we meet again.
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