"My name is Amy (Bigger) Feliciano. My Father was Ralph Jr. His mother was Mary ( Furaitor) Bigger. I know we were related to some of the Westmans I just not sure of who. I remember Mom talking of a Roy Westman and that is about the only name that stuck with me. I really never knew my grandmother (she passed away when I was 6 )or any of her extended family though I remember briefly her sister Alice visiting so I just wanted to throw that out there as I am pretty sure that we are of relation. Sorry for you loss. May John now rest in peace."
In loving memory of
JOHN A. WESTMAN
August 20, 1930 - October 23, 2014
John A. "Big John" Westman, 84, of Ishpeming, formerly of Gwinn, died Thursday afternoon, October 23, 2014, at UP Health System Bell.
John was born on August 20, 1930 in Little Lake, one of 14 children of the late Jerry and Emma (Furaitor) Westman and was a lifelong Marquette County resident.
Prior to his retirement, John was employed at the Empire and Mather B mines and also mined underground in New Mexico for a short while.
John was a devoted father, raising six children. In his free time, he enjoyed going to camp, hunting, horses and just being outdoors. He also enjoyed playing the accordion. Everyone knew him as "Big John" the gentle giant.
Survivors include 5 children, John Westman of Gwinn, Alice (Jim) Soderberg of Kenosha, WI, Mike (Eileen) Westman of Lecanto, Fl, Judy Griffith of Kenosha, WI and Linda Lopez of Kenosha, WI; 3 sisters, Marie Jensen of Gwinn, Betty Cornelia of Otsego, MI, and Sharon Anderson of Ishpeming; his first wife, Jean Albright of Kenosha, WI; also 12 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death besides his parents was a daughter, Barbara Kerr on March 24, 2014; a son-in-law, Ron Griffith; sisters, Dorothy Westman, Lorraine Hakala, Doris Manchester, Mary Ann Burdick; also brothers, Jerry "Augie" Westman, Roy Westman, Robert "Bobby" Westman, Harry Westman, Donald Westman, and Clayton Westman.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the Canale-Gwinn Funeral Home with Rev. Ron Westman officiating. Burial will take place in the Gwinn Cemetery. Visitation will be held in the funeral home one hour prior to the service with a dessert reception in the funeral home immediately following the service.
Memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"Laura, Alice, Linda, Judy, John and Mike: Sorry for your loss. He was a good man with a big heart. I used to really enjoy visiting on Christmas Eve."