Merlin W. Westenberger

Merlin W. Westenberger, 94, of Nokomis passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at 2:59 AM at Prairie Rose Health Care Center.

“Westy” was born  on June 22, 1925, to Elizabeth (Scharf) and Ben Westenberger in St. Louis, Missouri.  When he first came to town he worked in the family grocery store in Ohlman. He also worked for Johnson's Chevrolet Co. as a mechanic in Nokomis. He also worked for coal mines in Nokomis, Farmersville and Coffeen retiring after twenty five years.  He served his country with the US Coast Guard.  He was a member of the UMWA and Waples-Bauer Post 94 Nokomis American Legion,  VFW he also was a democrat  precinct committeeman.  Merlin married Rita Catgenova on January 12, 1946 in Decatur, Illinois and she preceded him in death on June 25, 2001.

Mr. Westenberger is survived by his daughter, Penny  DeWerff of Nokomis, daughter-in-law, Julie Westenberger;  grandchildren Dr. Michele (Sam) Wood of O’Fallon, Missouri, Stephanie Flowers (James Kropid) of Springfield, Jacob Westenberger of Colorado Springs, Co and Dominique Westenberger of Ft. Collins, Colorado; great grandchildren Adrienne (Chris) Brady, and Aaron Lipe, Jack and Isabella Wood;  great-great grandson Caiden Brady and  sister Gloria Mueller of Wentzville, Missouri and numerous nieces & nephews

In addition to his wife, Merlin was preceded in death by his son, Dr. Pete Westenberger in 2004, son-in-law John (Jeff) DeWerff, and siblings Bernice, Marie, Ben Jr., Vernon and Donald.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday June 8, 2020, at 10:00 am in St. Louis Catholic Church, Nokomis  Interment in Calvary Cemetery, Nokomis, Illinois. Online condolences can be left on stiehldawsonfh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Merlin W. Westenberger, please visit our floral store.