Obituary of Jerry Westermann

Gerald (Jerry) Rogers Westermann, 90, passed away at his home in Winter Haven, Florida on Friday, November 13, 2020 from cancer. 

Jerry was born on August 29, 1930 to Herb and Idella (Splettstoeszer).  In 1934 his mother and sister Vivian died from complications of childbirth.  Jerry and his siblings were raised in Waconia, MN, by their grandparents August and Theresia Splettstoeszer until his high school years when he and his brother and sister moved to Minneapolis to live with their father, Herb. 

In 1947 Jerry started working at the National School Studios (now Life Touch) as a janitor in a work study program at his high school.  He worked there for 45 years and was Vice President of Production when he retired. 

Jerry served in the Army from 1950-1952 in Austria.  He was proud of his service and very patriotic.  He was a member of the American Legion in Hackensack, MN. 

He married Verna in 1961.  That marriage ended in divorce.  He had been single for 22 years when he married Jean Jennings in 1989.  They celebrated their 31^st anniversary in September of 2020.  Jerry never raised a family but enjoyed being a stepparent, grandparent and great grandparent.  Stepchildren were Teresa Jennings, Michael Jennings (Michele) and Matthew Jennings.  Grandchildren Kyle Borgwarth (Tori), Alex Jennings (Becca), Jacob Jennings (Sydney), Mandy Dennis, Owen Jennings and Mason Jennings and great grandchildren, Nevaeh Dennis and Elsie Ann Jennings. 

In 1996 they bought a home in a golf community called Carefree in Winter Haven, Florida.  They were snowbirds until 2017 when they decided to become Florida residents and sold their home in MN. 

Jerry lived in the Minneapolis area until his retirement.  He enjoyed spending his free time at Woman Lake by Hackensack, MN.  Jerry loved to hunt and fish, but his real passion was golf.  He was an avid reader and liked country music.  He had a sense of humor and loved telling corny jokes.  

He is preceded in death by his parents Herb and Idella Westermann, His sister Vivian, brother Orson, and sister Joyce. 

There will be a brief ceremony for the family at Fort Snelling, MN next summer.  Steele Family Funeral of Winter Haven, Florida will be handling the final arrangements.  The family wishes to thank Good Shepherd Hospice for their loving care during these last weeks.  Memorials can be sent to Good Shepherd Hospice, Chapters Health Foundation, 3010 W Azeele Street, Suite #120, Tampa, Fl 33609 or Jerry’s favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.