Elmer F. Westphal (1919-2008)

WESTPHAL

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 6/13/2008 at 17:51:38

Elmer F. "Dutch" Westphal, age 88, former City Clerk, passed away at his home on Thursday June 12, 2008.

Dutch was born in Treynor, Iowa on December 25, 1919, to Fred G. and Anna C. (Mass) Westphal. His early years growing up were in Treynor where his dad owned and operated the first general store and hotel in Treynor. Dutch graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1938 and also graduated from Boyles Business College with a degree in Business. After graduating, he worked for the railroad for two years before joining the Army-Air Corps. His military service included serving during World War II, where he was crew chief on a B-29. During a training mission his crew was credited for sinking a U boat off the East Coast. Following his military duties, Dutch joined the Council Bluffs Police Department where he was a motorcycle officer. He later went to work for the Railway Mail, and later served for two years in Operation Blue-Jay in Thule, Greenland. Following that tour, Dutch became a City Bus Driver before becoming Clerk for the City Of Council Bluffs. He was the first recognized certified city clerk in the United States. Dutch worked in that capacity for 28 years.

Dutch married Helen (Frenken) on November 1, 1942, and together spent most of their married years in Council Bluffs and after retiring, spent 10 years in Arkansas. Memberships included Cobia Lodge 631, American Legion Post 2, 40 and 8.

He was preceded in death by his infant brother Elton who passed away with influenza in 1918; his parents; grandson Nicholas Mescher; and granddaughter Terri Lee Westphal.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Helen; daughter, Memory Mescher and husband Dick; sons, Fred Westphal and wife Sandy, James A. Westphal all Council Bluffs; 11 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren.

Masonic services will be held Sunday 3:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary recitation. Visitation will continue until 5:00 p.m. Funeral services Monday 11:00 a.m. all at Cutler-O'Neill-Meyer-Woodring funeral home. Rev Eberhard Hering and Father Dan Kirby will officiate. Interment St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Treynor, Iowa, with military rites tendered by American Legion Post 2. Luncheon to follow at Holy Family Church. Family will direct memorials.

Published in The Daily Nonpareil on 6/13/2008.