Delores E. Westphal

Delores E. Westphal was called home by the Lord on Thursday, February 27, 2025. She passed away peacefully at the age of 91.

Better known as “Dee,” she was born on August 28,1933 to Earl and Julia (Schroeder) Leavitt in Greendale Township, rural Hankinson, where she grew up on a farm with her two sisters.

Dee had a natural gift for caring for others, and her life revolved around nurturing children. Just five days after graduating from St. Francis Academy in Hankinson, ND, Dee left for Fargo, ND. She first worked as an aide at St. John’s Hospital in the nursery then transitioned to work for a dentist who specialized in working with kids.

On June 24, 1953, Dee married her “sweetheart” and the love of her life, Kenneth Westphal. Together, they moved from Fargo to the great Twin Cities area where they were blessed with their first four kids, Perry, Byron, Denise, and Brenda. After moving to their forever home in Plymouth, their family grew again with the arrival of Julie and Glen. 

Raising six kids in twelve years was no small feat, but Delores embraced the challenge. Even as her children were growing, she continued her vocation of caring for little ones by running a daycare in the family home for twenty years before retiring to her beloved title of “Grandma Dee.”

Dee and Ken shared a love of dancing, just as they did when they met, along with bowling and traveling. In retirement, they embarked on several cruises and trips, visiting destinations such as the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Mediterranean, where they explored the Holy Land. For many winters, they spent time in the southwestern U.S. where they would visit Ken’s cousins and take in the sights.

A woman of deep faith, Delores’ love for the Lord shone through in the way she lived her life. She was an active member of St. Mary of the Lake Parish, where she helped with funerals, participated in Neighbor to Neighbor and Sharing and Caring Hands, served as a greeter at Mass, taught CCD, and attended Bible study. Family and friends often reminded her that she was a prayer warrior. In her final years, she would reflect on how she could continue to be an instrument of God’s love and peace in the world. 

Delores was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth; son-in-law, Vince Herding; great-grandson Evan Schumacher; parents, Earl and Julia Leavitt; sister and brother-in-law, Mary Lou and Gregor Herding; brother-in-law, Lowell Sedler; father and mother-in-law, William and Adelia Westphal.

Delores is survived and celebrated by her children, Perry (Debbie), Byron (Diane), Denise Herding, Brenda, Julie (Steve) Heying, and Glen (Margarita). Grandchildren and great grandchildren Rebecca (Rich) Truesdell and Shea; Melissa (Stuart) Schumacher, Andrew and Caleb; Leah (Mike) Insko, Kylin and Ryder; Kyle (Rachel) Westphal and Wyatt; Melynda (Robert) McMahon, Connor and Liam; and Abygayl (Bryce) Paustis, Brynne and Nelly; sister, Eleanor Sedler; many nieces, nephews and extended family. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, March 6, 10:00 AM at the Church of St. Mary of the Lake, 105 Forestview Lane North, Plymouth, MN 55441. Visitation Wednesday, March 5, 4-7 PM with prayer service 6 PM at Gearty-Delmore Plymouth Chapel, 15800 37th Ave & Vicksburg Lane & 1 hour prior to Mass at church. Private interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial’s preferred to donors choice.