Melvin J. Westrick

Melvin Joseph Westrick died peacefully at home after a short illness on January 5, 2019. Born in St. Clair on March 25, 1935 to the late Harvey and Agnes Westrick. Married to Margaret Markel on May 18, 1957 and together for 61 years. Lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and served as an usher, eucharist minister, parish council member and shared his many talents including woodworking projects. He never wore his faith on his sleeve, he just quietly lived it. He was a proud member for 65 years and past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 2251. He was a member of the IBEW and worked in overhead lines for 44 years for a contractor and eventually retiring from the Detroit Edison in 1997. He was a member of the Blue Water Area Woodturners and loved woodworking. He was a thinker, tinkerer and a fixer of all things. He loved to travel and made it to all 50 states and Europe. He is survived by his wife Margaret; nine children Karen, Sue (Mark) O’Brien, Steve (Valerie), Laurie (Gary) Meyers, David (Thuy), Mark (Cherie), Julie (Eric) Liniarski, Greg (Felicia) and Chris; twenty grandchildren Katy, Carrie, Maddy, Mack, Ben, Jake (Brooke), Jon, Lindsey (Matt), Matt (Jessy), Shane, Keely, Rachel, Thomas, Drew, Jessica, Jamie, Lauren, Ashley (Bill), Ariane and Jared; six great-grandchildren Lydia, Heidi, Mabel, Blake, Carter and Kaylee; siblings Richard (Lorraine), Eileen Cook, Gerald (Susan), Leroy (Marcia), Leona (Bill) Moran, Harvey (Elena) and Mary (Ron) Distelrath; in-laws Andrew Markel, Theresa Livernois and Sr Mary Ann Markel and many nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends. He was preceded in death by in-laws Andrew and Genevieve Markel, Pete Cook, Michael and Doreatha Markel, Mary Anne Markel and Robert Livernois. He will be remembered and missed by all who loved and knew him. Visitation will be held at Young Funeral Home, East China MI on Thursday January 10 from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, January 11 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, St. Clair with visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Cemetery Fund or the Knights of Columbus Council 2251. To leave the family a message of comfort please visit: www.youngfuneralservices.com

Melvin J. Westrick

March 25, 1935 - January 5, 2019