Dean Edward Westendorf, 85

Dean Edward Westendorf, 85, of Allison, passed away March 15, 2024 at the Rehabilitation Center of Allison. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at St. John’s Lutheran Church – Vilmar, rural Greene, with burial at the church cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Monday at Woodley Funeral Home, Allison.

Dean was born on March 19, 1938 to Ed and Hattie (DeBower) Westendorf, rural Allison. He was baptized and confirmed at St. James Lutheran Church in Allison. He attended Country School and Allison Community School.

Dean was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Dralle on June 22, 1958. Dean and Barbara were blessed with three children, Lonna, Larry and Dawn. Dean was owner / operator of Westendorf Grinding and Mixing. Then in 1965 the family moved back to the farm where Dean was born and began farming.

Dean was always planning and creating new projects. His hobbies included making wind mills, model tractors and miniature trucks. He was a builder, a fixer and inventor. He also loved dancing with Barbara, his lifelong sweetheart.

Dean was member of St. John’s Lutheran Church Vilmar. He added his tenor singing voice to the Vilmar choir for many years, and his favorites were old time gospel and Gaither choruses. 

Dean loved his family. Everyone has fond memories of holidays with Grandpa Dean, including his profound dislike of poultry.

Dean is survived by his wife of 65 years, Barbara; daughter Lonna (Steve) Debner; son Larry (Jenise) Westendorf; daughter Dawn Eiklenborg (Anthony Fitzgerald); 9 grandchildren: Daniel (Missy) Debner; Kristen (Nick) Messersmith; Eric Debner; Bryce Eiklenborg; Brady (Katelyn) Eiklenborg; Billie (Scott) Buss; Leslie (John) Groen; Stacy (Matt) Stirling; Scott (Leanne) Hoodjer; Anthony Fitzgerald Jr.; 18 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild and another on the way. Sister-in-law Jurene Dralle and several nieces and nephews.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Hattie Westendorf; parents-in-law Leo and Loraine Dralle; brother-in-law Robert Dralle; sister and brother-in-law Maxine and Herb Freese, nieces Marlene Miller and Sheryl Johnson.

Woodley Funeral Home and Crematory, Allison