John “ Charlie” “Chuck” Charles Westlake, Jr., 84, of Manitowoc passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025 at his home.
Charlie was born on January 14, 1941 in Plummer, Minnesota to John C. and Ruby (Wright) Westlake, Sr. He attended Pershing High School in Plummer, Minnesota. As a young man, he started work as a carpenter, working union construction that took him all over the Midwest. Charlie was a proud member of the Carpenters Union 731 for over 50 years. He had a strong work ethic and was not afraid to work hard but also took time to enjoy life, “let er snap”, and have a friendly libation. After retirement he looked forward to his morning coffee and chatting with family or at a local restaurant with friends.
Chuck was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. He enjoyed fishing, poker (especially Guts), cheering on the Minnesota Vikings, watching western movies, particularly John Wayne, and listening to good music, especially Johhny Cash, Waylon, and Willie. Chuck loved dancing, and when he heard a good beat, he would be the first one on the dance floor. Chuck was a great father and grandfather, and cherished time spent with his family.
Charlie is survived by two sons: Brian Westlake, Green Bay, and Curtis Hagblom, Eveleth, MN; one daughter and son-in-law: Stacy (Troy) Stubbe; grandchildren: Ashley, Zachary, Zander, Bryce, Cole, Alex, Nick, Jake, and Ike; two sisters: Ruthella Austad, and Phyllis Rystad; two sisters-in-law: Mary Beth Westlake, and Diane Westlake; and three godchildren: Mike Westlake, Mary Torgerson, and Jodi Austad. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents: John and Ruby Westlake, Sr.; sisters and brothers: Annie (Roy) Van Den Einde, Orville “Ole” (Betty) Westlake, George (Merlin) Westlake, Infant sister: Little Nel; Nellie (Wayne) Galley, Roy Westlake and Lewis Westlake; and brothers-in-law: Vincent Austad, and Ordean Rystad.
A funeral service to celebrate Chuck’s life will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 11:00 am at Good Shepherd Church, 3234 Mishicot Road, with Rev. Joel Brassfield officiating. Relatives and friends may greet the family at the church on Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 9:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. A private family burial will take place at Knollwood Memorial Park.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Disabled Veterans of America in Charlie’s memory.
The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer location, is assisting the family with arrangements.
“Born at home in “41”, to a farmer and his wife, In a little town called Plummer, is where he began his life.
Hard work and manual labor formed the man I know. From a young boy working in the fields to a man who helped me grow.
He showed me love and understanding. Be the best in all you do, have faith in God, don’t cheat, don’t lie and a love for Johnny Cash too.”
I love you dad.
