Michael Westrich

He was born on Nov. 2, 1943, in Kansas City, Kan., son of Henry and Helen (Simone) Westrich. Michael grew up in Racine, Wis. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1962 until 1966 and later from 1970, until retiring in 1986.

Michael married Barbara Anne Westcott on May 22, 1965, in St. John’s, Newfoundland. They resided there for two months before moving to Rhode Island where Michael started his career with the U.S. Navy. Serving in the U.S. Navy brought him to many different locations along the east coast, until finally retiring in 1986, at which time they moved to Niagara.

While living in Niagara, Michael worked for Champion Paper Co. and International Paper Co. as an electronics instrument technician. He retired from the paper mill in 2006.

Michael was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church. He enjoyed many hobbies, including fishing, gardening, woodworking, his koi pond, making model planes and ships, taxidermy, hunting, traveling, driving, the outdoors, and playing World of Warcraft with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Barbara Anne; his mother, Helen Westrich of Kingsford; three sons, Paul Michael (Tricia Lynn) Westrich of Suffolk, Va., Dale Jacob (Margaret Mary) Westrich of Verona, Wis., Anthony George (Rhoda Austria) Westrich of San Diego; two daughters, Janet Margaret (Guy Edward) DeCremer of Niagara, and Sarah Elizabeth (Jeffrey James) Griffith of Chesapeake, Va.; seven brothers, John (Sheila) Westrich of Racine, Phillip (Kathy) Westrich of Niagara, Joseph (Amy) Westrich of Texas, Mark (Lori) Westrich of Iowa, Mathew (Diane) Westrich of Loretto, Luke (Laura) Westrich of Crivitz, Wis., and Andrew (Janet) Westrich of Hampton, Va.; three sisters, Ann (Paul) Goplin of Osseo, Wis., Kristine (Dennis) Anderson of Niagara, and Wink (Dave) Anderson of Iron Mountain; 14 grandchildren, Joshua (Ariel), Justine, Autumn, Amber, Christopher, Jeremy, Alyssa, Zachary, Ashley, Alexis, Becca, Tyler, Tristan, and Aurora; four great-grandchildren; and many numerous nieces and nephews.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Henry; one son, Theodore “Ted” Westrich in 2008; and one sister-in-law, Emily Westrich.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home Niagara Chapel. Prayers will be recited on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Niagara. Rev. Matt Settle will officiate.

Burial will be in Niagara Cemetery. The American Legion Cretton-Tutas Post 136 of Niagara will accord military honors at graveside.

You may light a candle in remembrance of Michael or leave a condolence to his family online at JacobsFuneralHomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home Niagara Chapel to honor Michael’s legacy of life.