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

Services will be Saturday at 10:00a.m., in the Zion United Methodist Church, Mendota with Rev. Hogun Kim officiating. Burial will be held at the Westerman family plot in Greenwood. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Friday in the Merritt Funeral Home.

Mr. Westerman was born November 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, IA.

Dave attended Mendota Township High School then went to Cornell College. He served in the United States 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. Dave was active in Mendota Chamber of Commerce until his retirement. Dave served as Chairman of the Mendota Sweet Corn Festival for two consecutive years. He was an enthusiastic runner in high school and college. He continued running until his last illness. Dave participated in chess tournaments for a number of years. 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 church.

Throughout his illness he maintained an optimistic attitude. His four grandchildren Matthew, Kristen, Emily and Michael 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, kep him on his toes.

His two sons David Jr., and Stephen both of LaSalle and his wife Beverly 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.

He is survived by his wife Beverly; two sons David (Sarah) Westerman and Stephen Westerman; four grandchildren Matthew (Krista) Westerman, Kristen (Shawn) Saylor, Emily, and Michael all of LaSalle; his five great grandchildren Antonio C., Zach, Marly Escatel, Rhyan, and Alyson Westerman.

David was preceded in death by his parents and his brother John (Jack) Westerman.

Memorials may be directed to the Zion United Methodist Church.