Obituaries

Esther Westphal, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026, in Newark, California, at the age of 92.

Born on June 15, 1934, in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin, Esther was the daughter of Gottlieb and Emma Daft. She was preceded in death by her beloved twin sister, Ruth, along with her sisters Christine, Dorothy, and Beverly. She is survived by her brother, Edwin, and her sister, Marianne.

On October 24, 1959, Esther married the love of her life, Melvin Westphal. Together they shared 66 wonderful years of marriage.

Esther devoted much of her life to caring for others. She worked for many years as a Registered Nurse at Lutheran General Hospital in Illinois. After relocating to California with her family, she treasured the years she spent helping raise her two granddaughters.

Esther was a devoted mother to her daughters, Lynn (Michael Gropper) and Hope, and a proud grandmother to Hannah and Rachel. Nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with her family.

Those who knew Esther will remember her gentle spirit, quiet strength and generous heart. Deeply rooted in her Christian faith, she lived with humility, compassion, and grace, reflecting Christ’s love through her service to others and her devotion to her family.

A celebration of Esther’s life will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 11 AM at Prince of Peace Church in Fremont. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor her memory.