Robert E. Westergren

Robert E. Westergren lost his battle with cancer on Thursday, May 12, 2016, at the age of 79.  He was born March 18, 1937, in Osceola, Nebraska to Harry and Grace (Crouse) Westergren and grew up in Chesterton, IN.   He was married on April 24, 1999, to Julianne Ault, who survives him, of Pittsburgh, PA.   He is also survived by his daughter Sydney (Andrew) Rodenhouse of Caledonia, MI; his son, Matthew (Leigh) Westergren of Porter, IN; brothers, Ken of Chesterton, IN, Richard (Patsy) of Michigan City, IN; sisters, Inez Zane of Chesterton, IN and Phyllis (Dewey) Ward of MI; sisters-in-law Faye Westergren, Suzanne Boarts, Mary Ann Ault and grandchildren Zacharias, Benjamin and Samuel; and mother- in law, Patricia Ault.  Preceding him in death were his parents; brother Larry and sister-in-law Donna.   Bob graduated in 1955 from Chesterton High School where he excelled in basketball and track. He secured a scholarship to Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado where he graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration.  He also served in the U.S. Army as a Combat Engineer.   Bob began his business career in 1960 and worked for National Steel Corporation for 33 years.  He worked his way through the company and became Vice President of Marketing & Sales. He also served on various executive and industrial committees throughout his career.  His last position was General Manager for the Midwest Steel Plant in Portage, Indiana.   After retiring from National Steel, he was elected Mayor of New Buffalo in 2005. He also served as Director for the Pokagon Fund, Councilman, Planning Commissioner, and as a Tax Review Board Member.  He was a strong business leader and served as a mentor to many.  He was an avid boater, fisherman, wine maker, and golfer. He enjoyed traveling around the country with his wife Juli.   A memorial service celebrating Robert’s life will be held on Monday, May 16, 2016, 11:00 a.m., at Sommerfeld Funeral Home, 15 N Barton St., New Buffalo, MI 49117.  Visitation and viewing will be from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 15, 2016 at the funeral home.   In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial contributions be made in Bob’s memory to: The University of Chicago Cancer Medicine, 130 East Randolph, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60601. You can also contribute online at givetomedicine.uchicago.edu.