Merle John Westerfeld

Merle Westerfeld Jr., age 90, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at the Chandler Regional Hospital in Chandler, Arizona. Merle was born on January 1, 1925 to Merle and Viola Westerfeld. He grew up in Alexandria, Minnesota where he spent a lifetime serving others. Upon graduating from Alexandria High School in 1943, he served his country in WWII for three years in the South Pacific. He then went on to attend the University of Minnesota for one year before returning to Alexandria to join his father in managing Westerfeld’s Mobil Service. Merle retired in 1983. Merle was hard working and honest. In 1948 he met and married Mary Jean Foley. They had two daughters, Julie and Joan. Mary contracted polio in 1950 while pregnant with Joan. Love and faith kept them together until Mary’s death in 1982. Merle was devoted and loving. Merle was very active in his community and church. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He served on the board of the Chamber of Commerce, the County Historical Society, and the Alexandria Museum. He also served in the Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department for 28 years. Merle was dedicated and courageous. In 1984, he married Frances Reinhardt. They lived most of the retired lives in Sun City, Florida enjoying golf, travel and dancing. Merle was fun loving. In 2003 Fran passed away and Merle continued to live in Sun City, Florida until a fall in 2012 changed the course of his life. He moved back to Alexandria, Minnesota and then in 2014 to Chandler, Arizona. Merle lived life to the fullest. Merle was preceded in death by his two sisters, Kathryn Anderson and Peggy Lundgren; wives Mary and Fran; daughter Joan Nelson and step-daughter Renee Reinhart. He is survived by his daughter, Julie Nelson and many grand and great-grandchildren. Services will be held on Tuesday, February 3rd at 3:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Magdalene Catholic Church 2654 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert, Arizona. Father Ishaya Samaila presided over the service. Merle’s ashes will be placed in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Alexandria, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

Merle John Westerfeld

January 1, 1925 - January 24, 2015