James P. Westhoven

WESTHOVEN James P. James P. Westhoven, 84, of Napoleon, died Friday evening, August 29, 2008, at his home. Jim was born September 25, 1923, in Liberty Center to the late Francis and Alta (Faeth) Westhoven. He married Jean Anne Gerdeman on May 2, 1949, at St. Caspar Catholic Church in Wauseon and she survives. Also surviving are five sons, Gary James Westhoven, Napoleon, Dennis C. (Denise) Westhoven, Channing, MI, Lindsay P. (Nanci) Westhoven and Douglas E. (Jayne) Westhoven, both of Napoleon, and Timothy S. (Kathy) Westhoven, Bowling Green; two daughters, Julie Anne (Stephen) Schwiebert and Pamela Jean (John) Riedeman, both of Napoleon; twenty five grand-children; sixteen great-grand-children; six brothers, Donald (Kay) Westhoven, William (Ann) Westhoven and Gerald (Alma) Westhoven, all of Liberty Center, Paul (Joanne) Westhoven and Eugene (Janet) Westhoven, both of Napoleon and Anthony Westhoven, Liberty Center; four sisters, Mary Ann (Richard) Widdowson, Clayton, Virginia Schuester, Napoleon, Catherine (James) Thompson, Ft. Wayne, IN, and Norrine Hoeffel, Napoleon. A grandson, Scott Allen Riedeman and a sister in infancy, Rita, also preceded him in death. A 1942 graduate of Liberty Center High School, Mr. Westhoven was a Henry County farmer and self-employed home builder in Napoleon for many years. He was a member of the Elks and American Legion in Napoleon. Jim was an active member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Napoleon, where he had previously served as an usher, council member and school booster. A veteran of the United States Navy, he was a Naval Cadet in the V-5 program. Jim found his greatest enjoyment in spending time with his family, traveling and visiting the casino. He will be remembered for his innovative abilities, his friendly nature and most especially as a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at St. Augustine Catholic Church with the Rev. Dan Borgelt presiding. Committal rites and burial will follow at St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery, Napoleon. Visitation will be Monday from 2-9 p.m. in the Wright - Hobbs Funeral Home, Liberty Center, where Christian wake services will be held at 8:30 p.m. Memorials are suggested to St. Augustine's Church and School. Online condolences can be expressed at www.wright-hobbs.com