Wednesday, February 9th, 2022
Arnold Westgerdes
Arnold "Arnie" R. Westgerdes, 88, of Fort Recovery, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at The Gardens at St. Henry.
He was born on June 2, 1933, in Fort Recovery to the late Joseph and Mary (Steinbrunner) Westgerdes.
In addition to his parents, Arnie was preceded in death by his wife, Viola R. (Dues) Westgerdes, whom he married on July 20, 1957; his daughter-in-law, Tracy Westgerdes; his great grandson, Cashton Westgerdes; his siblings, Julianna (Norbert) Wellman, Clarence Westgerdes, Andrew Westgerdes, Sally (Bob) Muhlenkamp, Naomi (Joe) Maynard, Norbert (Mildred) Westgerdes, Wilbert (Sally) Westgerdes, Irene (Ray) Kahlig; his brother-in-law, Don Muhlenkamp; and his infant siblings, Rolandis, Mary Alice, and Mary Agnes.
Arnie worked for Cooper Farms for over 51 years as a feed truck driver, while also tending to his own farm at home. It was not uncommon to find Arnie outside mowing the lawn, or simply sitting in his lawn chair watching the world go by. Arnie loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. On the weekends, he and his wife, Viola, liked to go out and socialize with their friends. He served his country honorably in the United States Army from 1953 until 1955. Arnie was a member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars in Fort Recovery, the American Legion and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, both in Coldwater. He was also a member of Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Fort Recovery.
Arnie is survived by his children, Gene (Jane) Westgerdes of Fort Recovery, Chuck (Lisa) Westgerdes of Fort Recovery, Bob (Lisa) Westgerdes of St. Joe, Doug (Pam) Westgerdes of St. Joe, Joe (Tracy) Westgerdes of Fort Recovery, and Mike (Mary) Westgerdes of North Star; his 24 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren, with 3 on the way; his sister, Dorothy Muhlenkamp of Fort Recovery; his sister-in-law, Ruth Westgerdes of Fort Recovery; his in-laws, Alice Klosterman, Bob (Joan) Dues, Don Dues, Mary Jane Severt, Pat (Greg) Myers, and Janet Dues.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, February 11, 2022 at Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Fort Recovery. Burial, with full military honors, will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. For those who would prefer to join remotely, the Mass will be live streamed at www.fortrecoverycatholics.org/streamspot/.
Guests may visit with Arnie's family on Thursday, February 10, 2022 from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM and again on Friday from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM at Brockman Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery.
Memorial contributions may be given to EverHeart Hospice, 1350 N. Broadway Street, Greenville, Ohio 45331.
Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.brockmanboeckmanfh.com.
