Lanny Westerman

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
Westerman, Peyton Benjamin Westerman, Karter J. Richins, Nicholas Lanny Westerman, Grayson J.
Westerman 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.
Funeral services can also be viewed at www.RV9th.com
Thanks to all those who helped with the services, especially the River View 9th Ward for the preparations
and aide.