MENDOTA - David E. Westerman, 87, of Mendota, passed away May 24, 2017 at peace in his home with family.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 27 at Zion United Methodist Church, Mendota with Rev. Hogun Kim officiating. Burial will be at the Westerman family plot in Greenwood Cemetery, Woodstock. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, May 26 at the Merritt Funeral Home.

Dave was born Nov. 29, 1929 at Lewis and Clark Hospital in Mendota to John J. and Ila (Peterson) Westerman. He married Beverly Betts in 1952 in Strawberry Point, Iowa.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, David (Sarah) Westerman and Stephen Westerman; four grandchildren, Matthew (Krista) Westerman, Kristen (Shawn) Saylor, Emily and Michael; five great-grandchildren, Antonio C., Zach, Marly Escatel, Rhyan and Alyson Westerman.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, John (Jack) Westerman.

Dave attended Mendota High School then went to Cornell College. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean War. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1956. He worked for JC Penney and Co. from 1956 to 1974 when he returned to Mendota to manage his family’s business. He was active in the Mendota Chamber of Commerce until his retirement and served as chairman of the Mendota Sweet Corn Festival for two consecutive years. He was an enthusiastic runner in high school and college and he continued running until his last illness. He also participated in chess tournaments for a number of years and even during his illness, he played chess on his computer and with his great-grandchildren. Dave loved life and the adult Sunday school class at Zion United Methodist Church. Throughout his illness he maintained an optimistic attitude. His four grandchildren, all from LaSalle-Peru, were his pride and joy. His five great-grandchildren visited him often and were very good at keeping him cheerful. His long, philosophical conversations with the oldest of them, Tony, kept him on his toes.

His two sons, both of LaSalle, and his wife gave him strength to deal with a long and difficult illness. His good friend and Sunday school teacher Mark Richardson gave him support even in his darkest hours. Pastor Hogun Kim was there for him with his prayers and encouragement.

Memorials may be directed to the Zion United Methodist Church.