Cletus F. Westendorf (69) of Wheeler

Cletus Frank Westendorf, 69, of Wheeler passed away peacefully on Monday, October 11, 2021 at home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 15, 2021 at Saint Thomas Catholic Church, Newton with burial at Saint Aloysius Catholic Church, Bishop Creek Dieterich. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at Saint Thomas Catholic Church, Newton, with a Rosary at 5:30. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here.

Clete was born on August 16, 1952 at home in Bishop Creek, Dieterich, to Sylvester and Marie (Drees) Westendorf. He married Lori (Bierman) on July 19, 1986. He grew up in Bishop Creek and graduated from Teutopolis High School with the class of 1970. While in high school Clete excelled on the Track Team. This past summer Clete enjoyed attending his Bishop Creek Grade School Class of 1966 reunion. He was a member of Saint Thomas Catholic Church and the Teutopolis Knights of Columbus.

Clete worked at Stevens Industries, J B Esker & Sons and as a Union Carpenter. Clete enjoyed cheering on the Chicago Cubs, playing cards, camping and horseback riding. In 1994 Clete won Senior All Around from The Little Buckaroo and Watson Saddle Club. He also enjoyed coaching girls’ softball for many years. His greatest joy was spending time with friends and family and spoiling his grandchildren Mary Kate and Frank.

Clete is survived by his wife Lori of 35 years; two daughters, Kimberly (Brian) Beckman of Dieterich and Konnie (Cody) Heiden of Mason; grandchildren, Mary Kate Beckman and Frank Dale Heiden, with a grandson due in November; brothers, Kenneth (Colleen) of Effingham, Leonard (Ruth) of Teutopolis and Richard of Montrose; sisters, Mary Ann (Victor) Hardiek of Dieterich, Florence (John) Shrock of Gainesville, FL and Ruth (George) Bushue of Watson; brother-in-law, Pete Walk of Dieterich; sisters-in-law, Charlene Westendorf of Teutopolis and Carolyn Westendorf of Dieterich; mother-in-law, Marcella Bierman of Dieterich and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, John, Arthur and two infants and sister Bernice Walk; brother-in-law Norbert Klingler and father-in-law, Arthur “Jim” Bierman.

We know in our hearts Clete is now riding high enjoying his favorite horse, Cissy. Happy Trails, Clete.