Gale Westerman

Gale A. Westerman 1921 ~ 2009 Friday, September 25, 2009, Gale Alvin Westerman, 88, passed away of causes incident to age. He was born April 25, 1921 to Sidney Jonathan and Mary Sturm Westerman in the Utah Copper company town of Garfield, Utah. He was the fifth of nine children with three sisters and five brothers; his childhood was spent in Garfield. As a youth he attended Garfield Elementary and Cyprus High School. He withdrew from school after tenth grade to assist his family and worked fifteen months with the Civilian Conservation Corps. Several weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Gale enlisted in the US Navy and served from 1942-45. As a sailor he circumnavigated the globe, participated in the Normandy Invasion, and although twice wounded, survived the sinking of three ships he served on. Upon discharge from the Navy, Gale met Phyllis Lorraine Mandeles and married her January 27, 1945 in Elko, Nevada; subsequently their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple in 1964. From their marriage of 59 years, they had three children, 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. For 36 years Gale worked for Kennecott Copper Corp. as a carpenter and did finish carpentry for many years after retirement. He and Phyllis lived in Kearns for 51 years. Gale took pride in his yard and made many improvements on his home. Indeed he gained much satisfaction in hard work, holding a job, and craftsmanship. He enjoyed traveling, gardening, woodworking and family gatherings. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Gale was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis; daughter, Laura Medley; grandson; parents; sisters; and brothers. He is survived by sons: Sidney (Ramona) Westerman, Draper; Lanny (Sandy) Westerman, South Jordan; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren. brothers, Lynn R. Westerman, Tennessee; Gene C. Westerman, Layton. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 2, 2009, 12:00 noon at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road where family and friends may gather Thursday, October 1, 2009, 6-8 p.m. and Friday, 11-11:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Valley View Memorial Park, 4335 W. 4100 S.