Robert H. Westphal

Robert H. Westphal, of Fond du Lac, passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, in Naples, FL, from complications related to COVID-19.
Born on May 4, 1944, in Hartford, to Harold and Marcella (Ringle) Westphal. Bob grew up on a farm outside of Iron Ridge.
He graduated from Mayville High School. He married Jone Schultz on November 10, 1963.
Bob was still actively working for Michels Corporation, the company he joined in 1965.
In his career, he filled many roles, including laborer, operator, foreman, superintendent, general superintendent, vice president, senior vice president and, at the time of his death, senior construction advisor. He helped guide Michels’ development and execution of strategic business initiatives domestically and internationally.
Those who knew him saw he was completely devoted to his work, which in his later years he considered his hobby. The success of Michels was his passion.
Bob demonstrated a deep love for his family. There are no words to describe his dedication as a husband to Jone, a father to his sons and a
grandparent to his beloved grandchildren. He was a great motivator, negotiator, mentor and most of all, “friend.”
A statesman in the construction industry, Bob was a valued member of many trade organizations. In 2019, he was inducted into the North
American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT) Hall of Fame and was named NASTT’s Trenchless Technology Person of the Year in 2011.
Bob was also an active member of the Pipe Line Contractors Association (PLCA), where he served on the Board of Directors for 13 years and as president in 2005. In 2018, he was named an Honorary Member.
Bob and Jone spent many weekends at their home in Three Lakes, during the summer and in Naples, FL, in the winter. He was a devoted member of Faith Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jone Westphal; his sons: Scott (Liz) Westphal, Jeff (Gena) Westphal, Matt (Kristin) Westphal and Chad Westphal; his grandchildren, Nick, Lauren, Lexus, Max, Lily, Jensen (fiance’ Reney Bagnall), Noah, Eva, Sullivan and Murray; step-grandchildren, Lauren Muenier and Molly Muenier; his sister, Patricia Porter; nephews, Chuck Jr., Brian Porter, Maurice Porter and Shane Rhodes; and niece, Stacey Trainor. He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister in-law, Julie Rhodes; and his brothers-in-law, Charles Porter and Mike Rhodes.
Due to current public health restrictions, Bob’s memorial services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to Youth programs at Faith Lutheran Church and School, Fond du Lac Area Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fond du Lac and Fond du Lac Humane Society. Fuller Funeral Home & Cremation Services is serving the family.