With heavy hearts yet filled with gratitude, the family of Joseph Neil Westendorf, 94, announce his peaceful passing on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at his Lake Tippecanoe home, surrounded by his loving family.

Joe was born April 22, 1930 in Bluffton, IN, the eldest of the five children of (the late) Joseph F. and Elsie (Beire) Westendorf. He graduated from Central Catholic High School with the Class of ‘48, served honorably in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict, and married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Evelyn (Bennett) Westendorf on October 17, 1953. Together, they began a family that eventually grew to nine children, moving from Fort Wayne to Lake Tippecanoe in 1969. His life was marked by his devotion to his family, unwavering optimism and sense of humor, and his deep appreciation for the beauty of Lake Tippecanoe and the lake life. He also had a love of history, and like so many of his generation, could keenly recount hearing of the attack on Pearl Harbor as it unfolded. However, most of Joe’s stories were funny and brought laughter, told with impeccable timing, and with Dorothy affectionately reigning in embellishments.

His legacy of love and laughter will endure through the generations he touched.

Joe was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Lake Tippecanoe Property Owners Association, Chain O’ Lakes Barbershop Chorus and was the 2004 Distinguished Lake Tippecanoe Honoree. He is survived by his son, Doug Westendorf of North Manchester; four daughters, Debbie Westendorf of Decatur TN, Kim (Don)Trammel of Leesburg, JoAnn (Jeff) Brown of North Webster, and Michelle (Chris) Davis of Nappanee; son-in-law, Eric Essig of Leesburg, 17 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Mary Ellen Collins; sisters-in-law, Janet Westendorf and Mary Jane Westendorf, and brother-in-law, Paul Bennett. Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Dorothy Westendorf; three daughters, Laura Westendorf, Nancy Westendorf, and Barbara Essig; son, Joey Westendorf; daughter-in-law, Beverly Westendorf; sister, Pat Ebler and brothers, Larry Westendorf and Jerry Westendorf.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:30 p.m. Thursday July 11, 2024 in St. Peter Catholic Church, 518 E. DeWald St. with visitation from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the church. Visitation is also on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at Divine Mercy Lake Avenue Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave, with the Rosary at 3:30 p.m. Joe will be laid to rest in Catholic Cemetery with military honors. The family’s preferred memorials are Sacred Heart Catholic Church, online at https://sacredheartwarsaw.org or by mail to 125 N. Harrison St. Warsaw, IN 46580, or to St. Peter Catholic Church, online at https://saintpetersfortwayne.org or by mail to 518 E. DeWald St. Ft. Wayne, IN 46803, or to the Lake Tippecanoe Property Owners Association, online at https://ltpo.org or by mail to P.O. Box 224, Leesburg, IN 46538. To share a remembrance of Joe or to offer condolences, please visit https://divinemercyfuneralhome.com.