Wilfred Westphal Obituary Wilfred Albert Westphal was born May 11, 1919, in Howard Lake, Minnesota, to Frederick and Mabel (Jestus) Westphal. He graduated from Howard Lake High School in 1938 and was inducted into the U. S. Army on April 8, 1941, serving in World War II with the 125th Field Artillery 34th Division. He was with the first contingent to go overseas in 1942, landing in Northern Ireland and participating in numerous campaigns in the African and European theaters. He returned to the U. S. on a hospital ship in 1944 having served overseas for twoand-a-half years and being honorably discharged on January 8, 1945. He began work as a civilian crash firefighter for the U. S. Air Force at the former Wold Chamberlain Airfield in Minneapolis. He and Mary Elizabeth Berg were united in marriage on March 31, 1945. They were blessed with the births of three sons. In 1952, Will was promoted to assistant fire chief, serving in that position until December 1957, when he transferred to the Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota as a civilian fire chief. He worked in this field until he retired in January 1978. After retirement he became a Realtor in the Grand Forks area for eight years. In August 1997, he and Mary moved to Baxter, Minnesota. Will loved his family and church. He loved golfing, fishing, square dancing, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a member of First Lutheran Church of Brainerd, the American Legion, and life member of the D.A.V., as well as the Eagles. Will is survived by his wife Mary; sons William (Susan) of Iola, Wisconsin, Scott (Marilyn) of Marysville, Washington, and John of Baxter, Minnesota; as well as his nine grandchildren Jessica, Rebecca, Mara, Abby, Leia, Sera, Josh, Jordan, Jacob and ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends. Wills parents, sister Eleanor Sexton, brothers Donald and Roger preceded him in death. Services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 23, 2016 at First Lutheran Church in Brainerd with Pastor John Stiles officiating. Visitation will begin the hour prior to services at the church. Military honors will be provided by Brainerd American Legion and V.F.W. Color Guard. Burial will be in Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery. Arrangements are with Nelson-Doran Funeral Home, Brainerd, MN. Memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Church.