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Donald Westphal Obituary – 8/21/2016


Donald Henry Westphal was called to his eternal rest, while a resident at Howard Lake Care Center, Sunday, Aug. 21, 2016, having reached the age of 88 years.

Donald Henry Westphal was born Feb. 13, 1928 in St. Peter, the son of Henry and Caroline (Luebke) Westphal.

He was baptized July 13, 1928, at Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Peter and confirmed in his faith at the same church June 6, 1943.

He grew up on the family farm, attending country grade school and graduating from St. Peter High School May 29, 1946. To go to high school, he would ride horse to the neighbor’s farm and then catch a ride into town with them.

Joining the Army, he served his country until receiving a medical discharge after which he found employment at a stone quarry in Kasota.

Donald began his married life with Vivian Starke Sept. 25, 1951, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Nicollet.

Their marriage was blessed with three children.

After graduating from Barber School in 1952, he began his career in Osseo before purchasing the Barber Shop in Howard Lake, which he owned and operated from 1954 to 2009.

He also drove school bus for 20 years.

As a member of St. James Lutheran Church, he served as an elder, and on various church boards and committees.

He enjoyed ice fishing with friends and family, gardening, doing yard work, going on family vacations, listening to old-time music, watching the Twins, and spending time with family, grandkids, and the great-grandkids.

His devotion and care given to his wife, Vivian, in her last months was a true display of family commitment.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Vivian; two brothers; and three sisters.

Donald is survived by his daughter Deborah (David) Entner of Moose Lake; sons, Steven (Lynette) of Buffalo, and Robert (Kelly) of Savage; grandchildren, Kristine, Paul, Philip, Clara, Trenton, Traci, Katie, Lauren and Mallory; great-grandchildren, Noah, Lucy, Fraya, Loretta, Aiden, Ryder, Hattie, Melanie, Rue, and Hartley, with another due in September; two great-step-grandchildren, Tylor and Kyle; one sister Pearl Savoy of New Ulm; sister-in-law Marlys Peters (Jerome); brother-in-law Emil Starke Jr.; nieces; nephews; and other relatives; and friends.

A funeral service for Donald Westphal took place Thursday, Aug. 25 at 11 a.m., at St. James Lutheran School in Howard Lake.

Visitation took place Wednesday, Aug. 24 from 4 to 7 p.m., at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Howard Lake, and one hour prior to the funeral service.

Casket bearers were his grandsons and grandsons-in-law.

Officiating at the celebration of his life were Reverend Mark Loder and Reverend Robert Jarvis.

Nancy Butterfass served as pianist.

Interment was at the Howard Lake Cemetery.

Arrangements were by the Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Howard Lake.

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