Dorothy I. Westerback

Dorothy I. Westerback, age 89, of 1212 Wisconsin Avenue in Gladstone, passed away Thursday morning, May 23, 2019 at U.P. Health System – Marquette, surrounded by family. She was born on March 21, 1930 in Marquette, MI, the daughter of Jack and Inez (Wallen) Lahti. Dorothy was raised in Marquette and was a member of Marquette High School Graduating Class of 1948. She furthered her education at Northern Michigan University where she received her Teaching Degree. Dorothy went on to attend the University of Michigan and received her Master’s Degree in Teaching. The former Dorothy I. Lahti married Carl J. Westerback in June of 1952 and he preceded her in death on October 16, 1989. Together, the couple shared 37 years of marriage and raised 2 sons. Dorothy began her teaching career in the Escanaba and Gladstone area. She taught mostly for Escanaba’s Lemmer Elementary School 3rd grade. Dorothy taught many students for over 30 years until her retirement. She was strong in her faith as a member of First Lutheran Church in Gladstone where she was also a member of the Faith Circle and taught Sunday School for 52 years. She also was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, the American Legion Auxiliary Post 71. Dorothy loved spending time with her family, going to church, and enjoyed baking delicious desserts. Dorothy loved people and helped all she could. She prayed always, and through God’s grace, one felt better listening to her laugh. Everyone was always welcomed at Dorothy’s from soda parties, to bible study, to a home open to all for pizza. She was the ultimate social creature! Dorothy made us all a little better and knowing her was a gift. Take a minute now and think of Dorothy; it will make you smile. That was and is our Dorothy.

Dorothy I. Westerback is survived by sons, Tom (Bonnie) Westerback of Stonington, and Carey Westerback of Rice Lake, WI; 4 grandchildren, Carla, Brian, Lisa, and Bethany; 4 great-grandchildren, Tommi, Billie, Wesley, and Charles; 1 brother, Jim (Ann) Lahti of Marquette; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Dorothy was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Carrie Westerback.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at First Lutheran Church in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life of Dorothy will follow at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, at First Lutheran Church with Rev. Tom Otis officiating. A luncheon will be served at the conclusion of the services in the church fellowship hall. Burial will take place in Fernwood Cemetery. 

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