John Gary Westphal

August 12, 1952 - November 25, 2020

John Gary Westphal age 68, passed away on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield. He was born August 12, 1952 in Eisenstein to Edward and Hermina (Woody) Westphal. His early schooling was at St. Anthony’s and Park Falls High School, graduating in 1970 before attending Stout State University. At Stout he met Julie Nackers and they were married on September 11, 1976. During his time in Menomonie he was a roofer by trade. After relocating back to Park Falls, John worked at Flambeau Paper and North End Heavy Duty before finishing his working career at Marquip Ward United, retiring in 2016. Throughout his life, he loved deer and bird hunting, taking joy in the hunt itself. John lived in the belief of leaving an area better than he found it and instilled in his family a great respect for nature. He was just as happy to come home with a bag full of trash as a bag full of birds. John loved the freedom that retirement afforded him and enjoyed traveling with Julie. Together they explored all the country had to offer with having only six states left to visit. John rarely missed a Packer, Badger, Bucks or Brewer game and also enjoyed reading and trap shooting. Most importantly, his love for his wife, children and grandchildren was unbounded and he relished every moment with each of them, marveling on each one’s uniqueness and accomplishments. His words of wisdom to all were to never shy away from exerting effort to always do the right thing. He is survived by: His wife Julie of 44 years His 3 Children: Kelly (Brian) Vanden Heuvel of Kimberly, WI Kristofer (Rachel) Westphal of Albuquerque, NM Jeremy (Sophie) Westphal of Poulsbo, WA His 9 Grandchildren: Ryan and Kevin Vanden Heuvel, Keri (Jordan) Thut Gretchen, Joshua, Hannah Westphal Eloise, Matthieu, Logan Westphal His Siblings Edward (Jerry) Westphal of Park Falls, Theresa Mechler of Fort Atkinson, and Cindy (Gary) Christian of Park Falls. Also Brothers and Sisters in Law Tom (Lisa) Nackers, Jill (Gary) Delaruelle, Terry (Cathy) Nackers, Scott Nackers, Lynn (Doug) LaRock, Connie (Drake) Hynes, numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, mother and father in law, Monica and Roland Nackers, brothers in law Michael Mechler and Richard Nackers. A memorial service will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Park Falls on Friday November 26, 2021 at 11:00am. Fr. Shaji Pazhukkathara will officiate. A visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 10:00am until the hour of the service. Birch Street Funeral Service is assisting the family. www.birchstreetfuneralservice.com