Graduate of Floodwood High School, University of Minnesota-Duluth and University of St. Thomas. Joe was employed by Electric Machinery in Minneapolis where he served in various engineering and computer systems engineering roles for 43 years until his retirement in 2011.
As a resident of Fridley for 56 years, Joe was extremely involved with the Fridley Youth Sports Association. For over 40 consecutive seasons Joe coached youth football, basketball and baseball, often times coaching two football teams during the same season. Joe was known for having outstanding teams, but more importantly he truly cared about his athletes by emphasizing academics, sportsmanship and standards of behavior on and off the field.
Joe’s proudest moments, that occurred frequently, were simply bumping into a former player who thanked him for having been his coach. Joe was also a big supporter of University of Minnesota athletics and was a season ticket holder for football, hockey and basketball for nearly all his adult life.
Survived by brother, Stan Westenfield of Huxley, IA; nephew, Otto III (Otty) and Mary Beth Westenfield of Medway, MA; nephew, Karl and Denise Westenfield of Eden Prairie, MN; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by sister, Maxine Goldberg; brother, Otto G. Westenfield, Jr.; and brother, Wally Westenfield.
A gathering of friends and family will be held on Wednesday, October 9th from 9:00-10:00 am, immediately followed by a service at 10:00 am, both at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, 2300 Hamline Ave N., Roseville, MN. Please feel free to join us for coffee and cookies immediately following the service. Interment at Morningside Memorial Gardens, Coon Rapids, MN.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Fridley Youth Sports Association, 59 Logan Pkwy NE, Fridley, MN 55432.
