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Obituary for Lawrence J. Westenberg
Lawrence (Larry) Westenberg passed away Monday, November 9, 2020 with his wife and best friend Joan by his side. Larry was born on January 5, 1934 in Racine to Lawrence and Mary (Gruber) Westenberg. He grew up in Racine, attended St. Catherine’s High School, and then served our country in the US Army during the Korean War. On January 11, 1957 he married his soul-mate and love of his life, Joan (Loewecke). In 1969 the two packed up their family of four boys and moved north, eventually settling outside Oconto on a small family farm. Larry was a heavy equipment operator by trade, but he lived for his family and loved spending time gardening and tending his land. Larry always had a ready smile, a helping hand, a hearty laugh, and a “can do” spirit. He was a man of deep faith, and was very involved in his church, Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Oconto. There he served as an usher, an altar server for masses and funerals, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, brought communion to the sick and helped with the local food pantry.
Larry is survived by his beloved wife Joan and his four sons; Larry (Ginny) Westenberg, Michael (Ann) Westenberg, David (Cindy) Westenberg, and Steve (Debbie) Westenberg. He was blessed with ten grandchildren – Liz Westenberg, Ben Westenberg, Becca (Brad) Shinnick, Rachel Westenberg, Joseph Westenberg, Christy (fiancé Justin Olson) Westenberg, David Westenberg, Kelsey (Scott) Reynolds, Zach (fiancé Janki Patel) Westenberg, and Alayna Westenberg – and five great-grandchildren; Gabby, Riley, Addison Dorbeck and Reid Reynolds and his sibling due the spring. Larry was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence; his mother, Mary; his step-mother Catherine (Lucas) Westenberg; and a brother, Floyd Westenberg.
The family wishes to thank Fr. Nusi of Holy Trinity in Oconto for his pastoral care and presence these past weeks – that gave great comfort to Dad as he prepared for this new part of his journey. We also wish to thank all of the hospital and health care workers that took such good care of Larry during these last couple months, especially the staff at Rennes Nursing Home West in Peshtigo. We deeply appreciate all you did to help Larry spend his last days in the company of his beloved wife Joan. That meant the world to him, and us.
The family will receive relatives and friends at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Oconto, form 10 AM to 12 Noon Saturday, November 28, 2020. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 12 Noon Saturday at the church with Rev. Francis Nusi officiating. Burial will be at the Oconto Catholic Cemetery with Military Rites by all Oconto veteran organizations. Online condolences may be expressed at www.gallagherfuneralhome.net.
