Dean W. Westfall

Dean Westfall, age 68, of Dexter passed away Saturday May 13, 2017 at his home.

Dean William Westfall was born June 9, 1948 at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester, MN to Robert and Lorraine (Hanks) Westfall. He attended and graduated from Elkton High School in 1966.  After graduation, Dean worked for local farmers until enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1967.  Dean was honorably discharged after he was paralyzed in an auto accident.  Following the accident, he went on to attend Austin Junior College.  Dean moved to Tucson, AZ where he became the first civilian to be hired by Davis Monthan Air Force Base working as an ambulance dispatcher for 7 years.  During his time in Arizona, he was united in marriage to Shirley Weness in 1971, they later divorced.  Dean later moved to Council Bluff, IA where he was instrumental with the 911 dispatching system.  He then traveled to Sioux Falls, SD to start the 911 dispatching system there as well.  In 1999, Dean moved back to Dexter and married Ginnie Bartholomew in 2004, they later divorced.

Dean was a member of the Stewartville Sportsman club, served 2 terms on the Dexter City Council for 8 years and was an active member of the Dexter United Methodist church for many years serving on several committees.  He enjoyed woodworking and had a love for hunting, fishing, nature and gardening which was exemplified by his yard being awarded a certified Wild Life Habitat area.

His dedication and appreciation for the men and women in the armed services continued in his many years of membership and involvement in the North Central Paralyzed Veterans of America, where he served on the Board of Directors.

He is survived by 3 brothers and 4 sisters: Glenn (Cindy) Westfall of Dundas, Ontario, Wayne (Donna) Westfall of Bemidji, MN, Steve (Sandy) Westfall of Zimmerman, MN, Marcia (Dan) Rogers of Las Vegas, NV, Diane (Rod) Chapek of Elkton, MN, Leisha (Gary) Kadansky of Stewartville, MN, and Bobbi Vogel of Kasson, MN; 19 nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Memorial services for Dean Westfall will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday May 20, 2017 at Dexter United Methodist Church in Dexter with Pastor Jon Marburger officiating. Burial will be in the Dexter Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. on Friday May 19, 2017 at the Dexter United Methodist church and will continue 1 hour prior to the service.

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