James Aloysius Westermier, age 89, of Sedalia, died Saturday, June 26, 2021, at Bothwell Regional Health Center.
He was born October 13, 1931, in Sedalia, a son of the late John and Susie Seifner Westermier. On November 4, 1953, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Tipton, he married Gladys Kuttenkuler, who preceded him death on June 1, 2008.
James lived two miles from his birthplace. He attended school at St. John’s in Bahner and Sacred Heart High School. James served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a lifelong farmer, and also did custom harvesting after returning from service. He was a member of the Elks, Moose, American Legion and the Rod and Gun Club. He enjoyed country and western dancing, playing cards and traveling across America and Internationally. James was involved in various church activities, and he enjoyed spending time with friends and piloting his airplane.
He is survived by two sons, Mark Westermier (Jacqueline) of Tipton and John Westermier (Sheila) of Sedalia; a daughter, Tamara Keck, of Sedalia; a sister, Jane Woolery of Sedalia; seven grandchildren, Jacob Hesse, Seth Hesse (Rachel), Megan Keck, Nathan Westermier (Angela), Casey Cobb (Ty), Cameron Westermier (Madison) and Tristan Westermier; and five great-grandchildren, Jax Hesse, Meredith Hesse, Bentley Cobb, Adelyn Westermier and Ellie Westermier.
He was also preceded in death by an infant son, Stephen Westermier; four brothers, Leo, Matthew, Anthony and Joseph Westermier; and three sisters, Agnes Walker, Edna Reusch and Rose Fleming.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 3, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, St. John’s Chapel at Bahner, with Father Joe Corel officiating. Burial, with full military honors, will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery at Spring Fork. Prayers of the Rosary will begin at 9 a.m., with visitation from 9:30 until service time.
Pallbearers will be Jacob Hesse, Seth Hesse, Cameron Westermier, Tristan Westermier, Ty Cobb and Nathan Westermier. Honorary pallbearers will be Casey Cobb and Megan Keck.
The family suggests memorial donations be made to St. Patrick’s Spring Fork Cemetery, in care of McLaughlin Funeral Chapel in Sedalia.