Bertram “Bert” F. Wester, of Port Washington, Wisconsin, was called home to his loving God on Saturday, July 16, 2016, at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton. He was 92 years old. Bert was born in the Town of Belgium, Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, to Aloys and Rose (Ansay) Wester on May 18, 1924. He attended St. Mary’s School in Lake Church and Port Washington High School and was employed on the Wester family farm and at The Krier Preserving Company in Belgium.
On July 22, 1942, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. to serve his beloved country in World War II. He proudly served for four years primarily in India, Burma and Bangladesh and was honorably discharged on March 16, 1946.
A few months later, on June 29, 1946, he married the love of his life, Verena Burmesch, at Holy Cross Church, Holy Cross, Wisconsin. Their first official date was the night before Bert left for service so their courting took place through letters. Bert and Verena recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
Following their marriage, Bert and Verena farmed the Burmesch family farm near Holy Cross until 1950 when Bert took a job with the Ozaukee County Highway Department and the family moved to Belgium. Bert was employed by the Highway Department for 36 years. He also served as the Village Clerk for Belgium for 16 years. Bert and Verena were co-founders of the American Legion and its Auxiliary in both Fredonia and Belgium. Bert volunteered as a Boy Scout leader locally and at the district level, was a member of the Belgium Fire Department, the Belgium Lions Club, an usher at St. Mary’s Church in Belgium and later in Port Washington, and was a member of the Catholic Knights and Catholic Order of Foresters. Bert was currently a member of St. John XXIII Parish – St. Peter’s Church in Port Washington.
Always proud of his Luxembourg heritage, Bert spoke impeccable Luxembourgish and traveled to Luxembourg three times. He was a proud member of the Luxembourg Society of Wisconsin and the Luxembourg American Cultural Society. His life was lived focused on family, faith, heritage and community.
Bert is survived by his wife, Verena; daughter Barbara (Michael) Beattie of Port Washington; sons John (Valerie) Wester of South Orleans, Massachusetts, Joseph (Susan) Wester of Brookfield, Wisconsin, and Kevin (Jack Backstrom) Wester of Muskego, Wisconsin; along with seven grandchildren Scott (Sara) Janeshek, Brian Janeshek, Mark (Colleen) Janeshek, Matthew Wester, Morgan (Jeff) Carder, Tom (Meredith) Wester, Laura Wester, and six great-grandchildren Stuart Janeshek, Sullivan Janeshek, Jordan Jakubowski, Trent Carder, Reese Carder and Eliana Wester; as well as his sisters Beatrice Krier of Port Washington and Mary Alice (Gordon) Thill of Fredonia, his brother James (Lucille) Wester of Port Washington and cherished neighbors the Simpsons, Pizurs, Driewers and Kellers and many other relatives and friends.
Bert was preceded in death by his infant son Tommy Wester, parents Aloys & Rose Wester, in-laws John and Margaret Burmesch, sister Blanche and her husband Robert Thill, brother-in-law Herb Krier and sisters-in-law Elsie and her husband Bill Reiter and Leona and her husband Alvin Anzia.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John XXIII Parish at St. Peter of Alcantara Catholic Church, 1800 N. Wisconsin Street, Port Washington on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. preceded by visitation at the church beginning at 3:00 p.m. and with a Rosary at 3:00 p.m. Reverend Patrick Wendt will be the celebrant. Final interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Lake Church, town of Belgium with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials suggested to the Luxembourg American Cultural Society Endowment Fund, PO Box 157, 100 Peter Thein Ave., Belgium, WI 53004-0157.
POOLE FUNERAL HOME/Crematory, Port Washington assisting the family.
We first got to know Bert and Verena when we moved to Port in 1971. It
was thru St.Mary’s Parish. Bert and Orv would do a lot of chatting at the
Conservancy Ct. on Friday’s when Verena and MaryDonna had their hair done.
Bert was one great guy to know. Our love and symfpathy to the entire Wester Family.
We first got to know Bert and Verena when we moved to Port in 1971. It
was thru St.Mary’s Parish. Bert and Orv would do a lot of chatting at the
Conservancy Ct. on Friday’s when the girls had their hair done. Bert was
a great guy to know. Our love and sympathy to the entire Wester Family.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the Westers, especially Verena and your children and grandchildren. I was so touched by your kindness and Bert’s kindness when I could visit your family many years ago. You have so much love in your family and I felt so welcomed! My condolences and heart go out to you in this very big loss! He is missed. I am sorry that I couldn’t be present-at this time but, I am sending you lots of love and prayers–for all of you.
May the sympathy of friends comfort you and your family at this time of sorrow.
Ramona Watry
Sympathy to your family at this difficult time.
I express my sympathy to the Wester Family.
I never knew Bert, but he is one of my favorite people. He is one of “the greatest generation”. He survived the ‘great depression’ then went on to save the world from the tyrants in WWII. And then if that wasn’t enough, he came back from the war facing an overwhelming federal deficit and by working smart and hard he helped change that massive deficit into the greatest economy the world has ever known. Is that great or what! I also know that he and Verna were great people because I know their son, Kevin. “By their fruits you will know them.” And, the fact he was Luxembourger doesn’t hurt. Six of my eight g-grandparents were born in Luxembourg and my adopted g-grandfather was also born in Luxembourg.
My sympathy to the proud family of Bert, one of the ‘greatest’.
I’m so very sorry for the whole family’s loss.
My prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Condolences to the entire Wester family and extended family and friends in this great loss. As Kevin Wester is a valued member of the Berkshire Hathaway Metro Realty’s A Team we send our love and support to him during this time of transition. Wendy Young, A-Team Leader, Berkshire Hathaway
So sorry to hear of the passing of Bert. My son, Fr. Brian Simon and I truly treasure our time visiting everyone at Luxembourg Festival some years ago with relatives. Our sympathy and prayers are with all of you. May he have eternal life.
Our prayers are with the family at this difficult time. May the Lord comfort you all in spirit and body.
Sending condolences to the Wester family. I have fond memories of times spent with Bert and Verena in Ozaukee County. You have a special place in my heart. Léif Gréiss, Kristine
My condolences to the whole Wester family!
Bonnie, Ray and Amanda Heintskill
Bert and Verena are very special people with hearts of gold. It seems like eons ago when John and I were college roommates, but I will always remember the visits “home” with a fond smile while holding an old fashion in my hand. Bert, you were the best, and what made you even better were Verena’s great dinners. God bless you, Bert.