Paul Stanley Westergaard, beloved husband, father, Papa, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, passed peacefully on October 22, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 24, 1940, in Warren, Michigan, to Christian James and Regina Irene (nee Balitzky) Westergaard.
After graduating from Warren High School, Paul enlisted in the United States Navy in August 1959. He served as an Aviation Electronics Technician, earning an honorable discharge in 1963 with a Good Conduct Medal. Paul was proud of his service in the Navy, but he never boasted about having served the country. He was humble and genuine, characteristics that exemplify Paul as being the perfect person for having represented the United States, in the Navy. His service and dedication to this country does not go unnoticed.
In 1965, fate introduced Paul to the love of his life, Victoria “Vicki” Kaurich, through a blind date arranged by his sister Lorayne. Their chemistry was undeniable, leading to countless adventures, including an unforgettable first date at the movies and a spontaneous bowling tournament where they won first place. The couple married on August 22, 1968, in Las Vegas, Nevada, and joyfully raised three children: Kellie, Jamie, and Shawn. This past August, they celebrated fifty-six wonderful years of marriage. The love Paul and Vicki shared was unwavering and only grew stronger throughout their fifty-six years together. They truly were made for one another.
A carpenter by trade, Paul had a remarkable talent for fixing absolutely anything and creating beautiful works of art. His creative and intuitive mind allowed Paul to be incredibly handy--helping his family with anything and everything they needed. He often created wooden gifts, including clocks and puzzles, which he lovingly shared with family and friends. These clocks, puzzles, and other wooden works of art that Paul created will continue to bring joy to those he loved for years to come. After sustaining a work injury, Paul decided to further his education in architecture by attending Macomb Community College.
Paul was not only a skilled craftsman, but also a devoted family man. He treasured his role as a dad and Papa, always present for his kids and grandchildren. He would always ensure that they felt deeply loved and supported. Papa was always number one, and his grandchildren were always number one to him.
Paul enjoyed a close relationship with his siblings and their families, often going away on vacation with them, bowling on different leagues, and sharing weekend dinners, at the family home his father built and Paul finished and remodeled throughout the years. Paul and Vicki’s home was the place to celebrate holidays and special occasions as Paul’s loving mother lived with them.
Paul’s love of cars was shared by his brothers Charles, George and brother in-law Dave. Many weekends were spent taking their cars to car meets to show off their restorations. Paul restored and owned until his death a 1931 Hudson Great 8 Coupe.
Paul loved the great outdoors, especially their cherished retreat in West Branch, Michigan, affectionately known as “Papa’s North.” Since the property on Lake Ogemaw, days were often spent enjoying the sunshine, lake, and beach activities. There, he delighted in gardening, golfing, fishing, and pontoon boat rides, sharing these moments with his children and grandchildren. Papa’s North was always a place where a sense of peace, unforgettable memories, laughter, and love thrived.
Though a humble man, Paul’s kindness and love left an indelible mark on all who knew him. His legacy of unwavering support, generosity, and affection will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-six years Vicki Westergaard; his children Kellie (Bruce) Gregarek, Jamie Westergaard, and Shawn (Pam) Westergaard; and his cherished grandchildren, Cassandra (Steve Smith) Smigiel, Brendan DeRouin, Paige Westergaard, and Cole Westergaard who will forever remember him as “Papa.” He is also survived by his sister Lorayne Proefke, and brother-in-law William Diegel. Preceded in death by parents Christian and Regina Westergaard; siblings James Westergaard, Beverly (Robert) Campbell, Charles (Marjorie) Westergaard, Gerald (Shoni) Westergaard, Joyce Diegel, and twin brother George (Margaret) Westergaard; and brother-in-law David Proefke.
Visitation for Paul will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024 between 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm at D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, located at 30009 Hoover Road, Warren, Michigan, 48093. A rosary service will take place at 7:00 pm on Monday night.
A Funeral Mass will be held to honor Paul’s life on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 9:30 am at St. Blasé Parish, located at 12151 Fifteen Mile Road, Sterling Heights, Michigan 48312. Paul will lie instate at 9:00 am until the beginning of Mass at 9:30 am. Military Honors will be rendered at 9:30 am at the church before the Mass begins.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Shriner’s Hospital, in Paul’s memory.
Rest in peace, dear Paul. You will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
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