Joseph R. Wester

On December 14, 2016, Joseph R. Wester departed our world to join our Lord. Joe was born on February 24, 1930 to Joseph H. Wester and Dorothy (Donnelly) Wester. Joe was born and raised a devout catholic, attended St. Catherines Elementary and Central Catholic High School, where he from graduated in 1948. Joe was a member of St. Johns the Baptist Church in Point Place. After graduation, Joe enlisted in the United States Marines, during his tenure in the US Marines, Joe graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1953 and achieved the rank of Captain. After leaving the Marine Corps, Joe built his career at Travelers Insurance as a Claims Manager. He was active in the Toledo Claims Association and served as president. After retirement, Joe frequently volunteered at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Joe was an avid boater and fisherman, he loved to work on and restore vintage outboard motors. He was a life member of Riverview Yacht Club where he established many life-long friends. Additionally, he loved spending time at his lake side retreat on Marble Lake (Quincy, MI) with his large family of friends. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Margret Mccarthy-Antonini, Sylvia Cucci, wife Lois Jean (Games) Wester and wife Mary (Linenkugel) Wester. Joe is survived by his 5 children: Mike Wester (Jennifer Wester), Kate Jackson, Sue Catterson, Mary Jo Wester (Tom Hegarty), and Joe Wester (Kristine Pauken). Additionally, he is survived by his grandchildren; Matthew Wester, Jenna Smith, Caitlyn Catterson, Christopher Catterson, Brighid Hegarty, and Joseph Zachary Wester, countless nieces and nephews, and his best friend Jeff Heath. A Celebratory Mass will be held at St. Johns the Baptist Church in Point Place on January 6, 2017 at 10:30am, where the family will receive friends after 930 AM. A Celebration of Life will follow at Riverview Yacht Club. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or a charity of the donors choice. Blanchard-Strabler Funeral Home (419) 269-1111. Online condolences: blanchardstrabler.com Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family. Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Make me considerate of those committed to my leadership. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold. If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again. Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer. Amen