Gerald Herbert Westphal, 53, of Saginaw, died unexpectedly, late Tuesday evening, December 22, 2009 at
St. Mary’s of Michigan. He was born December 22, 1956 in Saginaw, the son of Herbert and Ruth (Schultz) Westphal of Houghton Lake and was a graduate of Douglas McArthur High School. On October 12, 1985 he married the former Sheila Martin in Saginaw. Mr. Westphal was employed for 29 years at Delphi in Saginaw and also worked as a chef and locksmith for several years. He was a member of the Birch Run Moose Lodge #2426 and The National Rifle Association. He enjoyed playing euchre with the seniors at Robin Glen, fishing, hunting and working with his computer.

Surviving besides his wife Shelia and his parents, are his two sons, Joe and John Westphal, his sister, Carol Pett and her husband Bruce of Bay City; his mother-in-law, Arlene Martin of Kawkawlin; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and their spouses, Eugene and Dawn Martin of Rhodes; Maria and Dan Lynch of Kawkawlin; Missy and Craig Freeman of Estey; Bill and Amy Martin of Midland; and his grandmother, Cleo Schultz of Midland. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews and his great nephew.

~Funeral Services~
Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 29, 2009 from the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Chapel, 9940 Saginaw Street in Reese. Father Tom McNamara of St. Mary’s Cathedral will officiate with cremation to follow. Inurnment will take place later in the Denmark Township Cemetery in Reese.

~Visitation~
Gerald’s family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 4-8 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until time of services.

~Memorials~
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Westphal family.