Stanley S. WESTRA

WESTRA

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 6/10/2007 at 09:45:25

Herald-Review, Grand Rapids, MN
22 May 2007

Stanley S. Westra, 72, Stanley S. Westra passed away Feb. 28, 2007, at the age of 72, from heart failure. He was born in 1934 in Eagle Grove, Iowa. As a youth, Stan was a Boy Scout and Order of the Arrow member; earning the rank of Eagle. After serving in the Army during the Korean War, he wed Suzanne, the love of his life in Askov, Minn. in 1962. Stan's real gift was in teaching. Accordingly, he had a career that spanned 40 years in both Minnesota and Washington; most of these were spent at the New Ulm (Minnesota) High School. After retiring, Stan and his wife fell in love with the Alabama Gulf Coast. In 1999, they took up residence in Foley, Ala. Alongside Suzanne, Stan once again became involved with children as a tutor and youth leader at the Gulf Shores United Methodist Church. Other passions that blossomed included sea turtle hatchery conservation and Conchology. Stan pursued the latter of these in earnest after the passing of his wife. Stan was an exceptionally generous, kind and thoughtful man. He gave selflessly, touching the lives of many. Stan will be deeply missed by everyone that knew him.

Stan is reunited in Heaven with his mother, father and beloved wife. He is survived by his daughter (Sheryl) of Alabama, and son (Scott) and family of Washington. Services: A celebration of his life will be held at the United Methodist Church in Gulf Shores, Ala. on Saturday, June 9. Visitation will be at 10 a.m., and the Memorial Service at 11 a.m.