Wilbert Herman Westerberg
PINCKNEY, Mich. – Wilbert Herman Westerberg, 89, former Escanaba resident, passed away Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015, at Meadow Lane Adult Foster Care in Pinckney, Mich. He was born Sept. 18, 1925, in Escanaba, Mich., and was the son of David and Agnes (Sjoquist) Westerberg. Wilbert graduated from Escanaba High School in 1943 and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving in World War II from Dec. 10, 1943, until he was honorably discharged on May 9, 1946. He attended one year college at Michigan State University, sailed on the Great Lakes on an ore carrier and later work for the Detroit Railroad. In 1955, Wilbert started his 32 year career with General Motors, working as an electrician until his retirement in 1987. Wilbert married the former Mary Helen Costley on May 11, 1957, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba and she preceded him in death on June 19, 1970. He was a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Ypsilanti, the V.F.W., American Legion, and the United Auto Workers Union.
Wilbert Herman Westerberg is survived by his sons, Mark (Judith) Westerberg of Pinckney, Mich., James Westerberg of Ypsilanti, Mich.; daughter, Susan (Dan) Applegate of Ypsilanti, Mich.; grandchildren, Nicole, Patrick, Matthew, Zach, John, Nicolas, Jacob and Michael.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by sisters, Ellen Johnson, Laverne Peterson, Marion Olson, and Mildred Crnich; brothers, Roy, Carl and Clyde Westerberg.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 30, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Delta County veteran’s services will be conducted at 6 p.m. Friday at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services celebrating the life of Wilbert Herman Westerberg will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Bethany Lutheran Church with Rev. Erik Heskin officiating. A luncheon will be served following the funeral services in the Bethany Lutheran Church fellowship hall. Burial will take place in the Lakeview Cemetery in Escanaba.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be directed to the V.F.W. or American Legion. Envelopes will be available at the Anderson Funeral Home. The Anderson Funeral Home is assisting the Westerberg family with the arrangements and online condolences can be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.
