Jack Westfall, 73, passed away, Sunday, October 16th, 2022 at his home. Jack was born January 9, 1949, to Edward and Sue (O’Heron) Westfall in Chicago, IL.
Jack, his twin sister, Jill, and older sister, Daryl, grew up in Sheboygan. At the age of 18, Jack had the incredible experience to play bass guitar touring with the Everly Brothers. He had a unique and soothing singing voice and enjoyed a variety of music genres. As of recent, Jack resumed some of his guitar playing days with a new Gretsch.
His professional career began with his construction company, Westfall Construction. From there, Jack held a Vice President position at Kohler Co. He was instrumental in working with Herbert V. Kohler creating Blackwolf Run Golf Course and Woodlake Market and Shops, then as Manager of Real Estate Product Development.
In addition, Jack held multiple positions during his career, including, Director of Finance and Chief Underwriter for The Wisconsin Partnership and Supervisor of Corporate Research and Chief Methodologist for Blue Cross Blue Shield.
These life work experiences inspired Jack to further his education earning a Bachelor’s of Arts from Concordia University; a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from University Wisconsin-Whitewater; and a Doctorate of Education from Cardinal Stritch. With this educational foundation he pursued a myriad of selected research and consulting projects, too many to list. However, a notable example is The Dept. of Health and Human Services Organ Donation Project which lead to the orange donor dot on driver’s licenses. Further professional positions included Vice President of Applied Ph.D. Research; Coordinator of Data/Assessment/Quality Control for Sheboygan Area School District; Instructor of Marketing and Education, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
In addition to Jack’s professional life, he lived and breathed sailing. This passion began as a child at the Sheboygan Yacht Club. During his life-long membership at SYC Jack served in many leadership roles. Most noteworthy includes Chairman of the 2005 North American Lightning Championship. In connection to that, he was one of the founders of Sail Sheboygan, which ultimately is now promoting National, International, and Olympic representation. In 2012, Sail Sheboygan provided boats to the Olympics in London. Finally, Jack had an integral role in growing SYC’s Youth Sailing Program.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Sue, (1998), Ed, (2015) and stepmother, Helga Westfall (2015). He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Elli Westfall in 2014.
Survivors include Jack’s wife, Rev. Judine Duerwaechter; daughter, S. Harper (fiancé Ryan Mayhew); step daughters, Sonia (Samir) Tanna, Anna (Teo) Ninković, Emily (Baron) Gottsacker; sister, Daryl Scane, twin sister, Jill (Pete) Simmons.
A Celebration of Life Service will take place at The Sheboygan Yacht Club, 214 Pennsylvania Ave., Sunday, October 23rd, with a 10:30 a.m. social time and an 11:30 a.m. service. The family requests no flowers; in lieu, please make memorial gifts to Sheboygan Youth Sailing Center, 619 Broughton Dr, Sheboygan, WI 53081.
The family encourages our community to continue recognizing and supporting positive changes regarding mental wellness.
The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Jack’s arrangements.
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