Lee Junior Westendorf

Lee Junior Westendorf of Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at Country Square AFC Home in Auburn, Michigan. He was 89 years old. Lee Junior Westendorf was born on August 20, 1935, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Lee Charles and Mamie Veretta (Anschuetz) Westendorf. He was a 1953 graduate of Arthur Hill High School. Lee honorably served his country by enlisting in the United States Navy on September 8, 1954, through March 15, 1975, a career that spanned 20 years. While serving in the military he was affectionately known as “Yogi Bear” to all his brothers. To his family, Lee was lovingly known as “Uncle Sonny”, “Buckwheat”, “Lee J.”. He was employed with the City of Saginaw with the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Housing Commission for 10 years. Lee later worked at Covenant HealthCare as a boiler engineer operator with 20 years of loyal and dedicated service. He was a longtime and faithful member of American Legion Post 22 and American Legion Post 439. Lee was an antique collector and enjoyed attending auctions to find whatever he found that had value in his heart. Lee also enjoyed working on cars for his family and friends. He loved the Navy , and spending countless hours talking to others about the Navy. When he wasn’t spending time with family and friends, Lee could be found at auctions or “kicking tires”. He was the glue that kept the entire family together. Lee will forever be remembered as a compassionate and selfless man who led a life of service to his family, country and community.

Surviving are a daughter, Stephanie (Rodney) Gaspard of Knoxville, TN; a grandson: Lance (Sara) Badgerow of Elwell; three nieces and a nephews: Jacque (Ron) Merrow of Dexter; Melanie (Mark) Stoetzer of Warren; Jeri L. (Stephen L.) Coston of Hemlock; Lee C. Harvkey of Breckenridge; sister-in-law, Jeanine Westendorf of Sterling Heights. Also surviving are many extended family and dear friends too numerous to list but held close to his heart.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Dennis Chad-Lee Morton; parents, Lee and Mamie Westendorf; a sister, Bonnie Harvkey; two brothers: Lawrence Westendorf and Gerald Westendorf.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mary Beth and her husband, CJ Stewart, as well as the staff at Country Square AFC Home for all the love and care they provided to Lee and the family.

A Funeral Service will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 5700 Dixie Highway, Saginaw, MI 48601. Pastor William Hessler will officiate. Military Honors will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens under the auspices of the United State Navy and American Legion Post 22. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the funeral chapel on Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Country Square AFC Home, American Legion Post 22, or American Legion Post 439. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral chapel or through www.casefuneralhome.com.