Donald Lee Westerhoff

Donald Lee Westerhoff was born on his grandfather's homesteaded farm in Northeastern Nebraska, on August 25, 1927. He passed away in his sleep, on March 18, 2023, in hospice care, at Brookdale Senior Living in Garden Grove, California.

Don had a wonderful childhood, along with his only sister in small towns in Nebraska. He missed his high school graduation ceremony as he was inducted into the US Navy, towards the end of World War II. He was training to become a pilot, when the war ended and that path ended with it. He was stationed on Guam to finish his commitment. After returning home he attended University of Nebraska for a short time, and tried a few different jobs, even one as a radio announcer. His first marriage, to Jean Bunderson, produced two daughters. Sadly that young marriage didn't last. Two years later, while working in Iowa, he met Barbara, a Korean War widow, who was to become his wife for the next sixty-two years. She brought her daughter into the marriage and she and Don had three sons. The family made their first and only home near El Dorado Park in Long Beach. Don retired as a building inspector from the City of Long Beach in 1990. Don was a loving father who led Indian Guides and Gray Y when the boys were young, volunteered in various capacities at Tincher school, even earning an honorary PTA lifetime membership award for his involvement with kids. Christ Lutheran became the family's home church soon after it was built and Don did lots of volunteer jobs around the facility over time. He taught Sunday school, read to the preschoolers, rekeyed all the locks many times, and even hung the cross when the sanctuary was remodeled. We will miss his love, his kindness, his humor...and we will miss his stories!!!

Don is survived by his daughter Sydne of Chico, Sharon (Morrie) of Cypress, Robert (Kaarn) of Murphys, and Bill of Kihei, Maui. Don was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, his son Craig, his daughter Barbara, his parents Ed and Meta Westerhoff, and his sister Pat Strehle.

A memorial service and reception will be held on Saturday, April, 29, 2023 at Christ Lutheran Church, 6500 Stearns St. Long Beach, CA 90815. www.christlutheranlb.com

Memorials may be made in Don's name to Christ Lutheran Church, or Boys Town, PO Box 6000, Boystown, NE 68010.