Vernon LeRoy Westbrock, a deeply loved brother, husband, father, grandfather, friend and mentor to many, passed from our world on May 20, 2025.
Vern was born in Sauk Centre, MN to Al and Regina Westbrock, the youngest of five brothers – Bernard (BA) of Marion, IA (deceased); Don of Orlando, FL; Charles (Chuck) of Sauk Centre (deceased); Jack of Maple Grove, MN – and younger sister, Janet of Sauk Centre. He was a hard-working farm kid with baby blue eyes and a beautiful tenor voice. Vern graduated from Sauk Centre high school in 1959 as a running back on the football team and their homecoming king. He suffered the loss of his father that same year, but went on to graduate from St. Cloud State and marry his beloved wife of 60 years, Bridget (Hiltner) of Melrose, MN. He later also earned a graduate degree from Winona State University. Vern and Bridget moved to Rochester, MN in 1968 where he taught auto mechanics at John Marshall High School for many years before moving on to industrial arts/phy. ed. in other Rochester area schools. Vern and Bridget raised three children, built three houses from the ground up, ran a Statuary business, and briefly sold Real Estate in the Rochester area. Vern never turned down a request to help others and even in his retirement former students regularly provided testimony to his teaching skills and mentorship. He was a member of Pax Christi Catholic Church where he was a eucharistic minister, sang in the choir, and attended bible study regularly.
In addition to his wife Bridget, Vern leaves behind his three children and their families – Jon and Alicia (nee Balm of Rochester) and their children Lucian, Croix and Abrial Westbrock of Rosemount, MN; Shannon and Bruce Wadman and their children Ben and Martha of Minneapolis, MN; and Ryan and Kimberly (nee Verbout of Rochester) Westbrock of Seattle, WA, as well as a very large extended family and countless friends. Vern fought a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease and was surrounded by loved ones as he left this struggle behind to journey to his eternal rest.
There will be a brief memorial visitation followed by a mass of remembrance at Pax Christi Catholic Church at 4135 18th Ave NW, Rochester, MN 55901 on Thursday, May 29, 2025 with visitation from 10 AM and mass at 11 AM. A livestream will be available for the mass at https://www.youtube.com/@PaxChristiChurch/streams. The family will also gather for a visitation at Patton Schad Funeral Home at 418 Fifth Avenue SE, Melrose, MN 56352 on Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 10AM to noon, prior to a private burial at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Melrose, MN.
Memories and condolences of Vern may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
Dearest Bridget & Westbrock Family Members:
Our deepest sympathies as we grieve the major loss of Vern who has graced our lives for 50 years…he was so easy to love!! We lived in one of the homes he built & that was how we met them @ Pax Christi…they came up to us & stated they had built our home…we liked them instantly!!❤️. We shared the “highs & lows of life” & 3 other couples formed the card club group that met monthly. Initially we were serious about winning but entering our golden years we became basically a “support group” for each other…& home to bed by 11pm rather than 2am!! Always a great time with laughter & good food!! We are going to miss your earthly presence but will cling to the many memories we hold close to our hearts. Fly High Vern With The Angels….You’ve Earned Those Angel Wings!! We Loved You Dear Friend…
I have known Vern as a friend for 50 years. We have played a lot of cards together. Our families vacationed together. We worked on carpentry projects together. My memories are many but what I’ll remember most about Vern was how smart he was especially when it came to building things and how mechanisms worked. Also his willingness to helped others in so many ways. His energy seemed to be boundless. Another teacher and good man has entered thru the pearly gates. Our loss and heaven’s gain. May the peace of the Lord abide with his family and all who knew him