John Westlake

John Westlake, of Warba, MN, passed away August 18, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family.

John was born December 12, 1955, in Thief River Falls, MN to Ole Westlake and Joy Paulley.  As a child, he spent his summers at his grandparents’ farm in Plummer, MN, where he was affectionately known as “Jack Seibel”.  He graduated from Plummer High School in 1974 and was married to the love of his life, Debra Bjerken on November 26, 1977.  They made their home in Thief River Falls, MN, having and raising two amazing children together.  John was a proud member of the Carpenters Union Local 606.  He had the opportunity to travel all over Minnesota doing concrete work and, later in life, owned his own business, Quality Construction, for over 10 years.  John built his home on Shallow Lake from the ground up, starting as a cabin, eventually moving there permanently in 1997.  He was a loving man who was dedicated to his family, had many friends, and left a mark on everyone he met.  He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, 4-wheeling, snowmobiling, hanging out at deer camp and spending his winters ice fishing on Lake of the Woods, even considering himself "Mayor" of Zippel Bay.  He spent his retirement gardening and enjoying time with his grandchildren, and will be remembered for his stubborn nature and big heart.

John is survived by his wife Deb Westlake; his children Melissa Westlake (Lonnie) and Mike Westlake (Corie); his grandchildren Brooke Danielson (Cole), Noah Danielson (Stella), and Ben “George Johnson” Westlake; his great-granddaughter Laylin “Ethel” Donnell; his siblings Dave (Mary) Renollet, Mike (MaryJo) Westlake, Sue (Bob) McClelland, Kim (Rich) Helgren, Bonnie Renollet, Melanie (Dan) Heikkila, Tony (Robin) Renollet, Doug (Patty) Renollet, Ken (Chris) Renollet, Patti Renollet, Tammy (Tim) Allain, and Tom (Maria) Paulley; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces/nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents Ole and Betty Westlake; his parents Joy and Tom Paulley; his brothers Dave Westlake and Michael “Amos” Renollet; and his grandson Tristan Westlake.

There will be a Celebration of John’s life on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM in the Trout Lake Community Center.

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