KARL R WESTPHAL

Karl R. Westphal, 71, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones on February 23, 2015. Karl was born September 27, 1943 in Langdon, North Dakota. He was the youngest son of Henry and Ada (Tennison) Westphal of rural Clyde, North Dakota. Karl attended and graduated from Clyde High School in 1961. On October 16, 1965 he was united in marriage to Faye Henderson of rural Calvin, North Dakota. Karl farmed three miles east of Clyde, North Dakota, first with his father and then later with his son up until his death. “Farming is a good life,” these were his own words and his livelihood was one of his greatest joys. Karl and Faye raised three children on the farm and were proud of the heritage they were able to share with them. Karl was a member of the North Dakota National Guard, Huron Township Board, Zion Lutheran Church of Munich, and the Devils Lake Elks Lodge. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, hunting, fishing, gardening, grilling, and socializing. Traveling to south Texas with his wife was something he looked forward to every fall – together Karl and Faye enjoyed this for the past 20 years. In recent years Karl struggled with health problems, however, his faith and humor helped him find happiness in the gravest of situations. Karl was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Ada and in-laws Garrett and Lucille Henderson. He was survived by his wife of 49 years, Faye Westphal; three children--Gwen (Michael) Johnson of Chanhassen, MN, Jeffrey Westphal of rural Clyde, ND, and Heidi (Ryan) Peterson of Minot, ND; five grandchildren-- Cameron Johnson, Alexander Johnson, Carter Peterson, Lauren Peterson, and Nathan Peterson; brother--Alan (Marge) Westphal of Minot, ND; sister-- Janice (Henry) Dosch of Fairbanks, AK; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Karl was loved and will be missed. Funeral Services for Karl will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Devils Lake on Friday, February 27, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Timothy Stout officiating. Visitation and sharing memories will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday, February 26th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Friday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial and Military Honors will be accorded in the spring at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, rural Munich, ND. Casket Bearers for Karl will be Mike Henderson, Steven Henderson, Mike Johnson, Ryan Peterson, Adam Westphal and Mike Westphal. Music will be provided by JoDee Lagein and Mavis Blake.