Rolland "Stub" Westfall

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Rolland “Stub” J. Westfall lived a life of purpose while holding his loved ones near. A longtime resident of the community he loved, he was social, outgoing, and a shining example of how a life is to be lived. There was no greater gift in Stub’s life than his family, and he was so proud to share nearly 75 years with the love of his life. Life will never be the same without Stub here, but he leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will proudly carry on in his footsteps. It was great to be an American during the exciting decade of the Roaring Twenties. Innovation was leading the way to new technology, which brought us amazing advancements like radios, washing machines, and motion pictures in both color and sound. Amidst this exciting time was a time of great celebration in the lives of Leo and Lila (Jones) Westfall as they announced the birth of the baby boy they named Rolland J. on January 8, 1921, in Newberg, Township in Cass County, Michigan. One of three, he was raised in the family home alongside his sisters, Evelyn and Lucille. Rolland, or Stub as he was often known, was a typical young boy of his generation. He attended one-room schoolhouses until the 8th grade and then graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1940. New and exciting changes were in store for Rolland when he met the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Pearl Modert, and they met at Miller’s Ice Cream Store in Three Rivers where Pearl worked. A dance hall among friends was the likely spot of their first date, and the rest is history as they say. With the desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Stub and Pearl were married on June 9, 1945, in Three Rivers. After a brief time in Flowerfield, the young couple moved to a farm south of Schoolcraft in Prairie Ronde Township. Together they welcomed two children including Warren and Janice into their hearts and home. Stub worked hard as a farmer to support his family, making that his life’s work until retiring. He then moved to Schoolcraft where he worked at the Greater Kalamazoo Auto Auction for several years. His family was a source of great pride for him, and he had so hoped to reach 100 years of age and celebrate his 75th wedding anniversary. Although he didn't quite make it to these milestones, Stub’s family will be forever grateful for the lessons he taught them about life and love. As his family and friends can attest, Stub was always someone on the go. Within his community, he was a member and past Master of the Schoolcraft Masonic Lodge #118, serving the Lodge for 77 years. Stub also spent several years bowling with the Schoolcraft bowling league and fishing with his friends. He was always more than willing to catch the fish and even clean them, but he didn’t care to eat what he caught. Stub’s son and his wife were the grateful recipients of this hobby! To say he loved Corn Flakes may have been an understatement. In fact, Stub would say he was getting low on them if he opened his cupboard and saw that he only had three boxes. For his 70th birthday, one of his sisters bought him seven boxes of Corn Flakes to represent each decade of his life. Stub also loved homemade noodles as well as his wife’s beef and noodles and chicken and biscuits with gravy. He enjoyed listening to the Tigers on the radio and was known to have an ear piece in listening to the radio broadcast while watching the game on the TV with the volume off. For years, relaxing to Stub meant sitting on his front porch and waving to people as they went by, whether he knew them or not. All who knew Rolland “Stub” J. Westfall would agree that he was one of the most thoughtful, kindhearted, and generous people around. He was social and outgoing with a fun-loving sense of humor that made him so much fun to be around. Always looking for ways he could give to others, Stub was eager to help other farmers in any way he could. With a love for his family that was unmatched, Stub created a priceless collection of memories that his friends and loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts. Rolland “Stub” J. Westfall, of Schoolcraft passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2019 at the age of 98. Rolland is survived by his wife of 74 years, Pearl; son: Warren (Diane) Westfall, of Schoolcraft; daughter: Janice (Jim) Altimus, of Three Rivers; four grandchildren: Jon Altimus, of AR; Judy (Steve) Rupp, of Kalamazoo; Jeffrey (Danielle) Altimus, of AZ; and Shawn (Nicki) Westfall, of Schoolcraft; seven great grandchildren: Emilie (Ryan) Boatright; Zacherie Altimus; Elaine Altimus, Ethan Rupp, Harrison Rupp, Faith Westfall, Serenity Altimus, Keaton Westfall; three great great grandchildren: Miller, Kanon, and Konner Boatright. He is also survived by his brother-in-law: Hubert McDonald, of Three Rivers; and a close group of special nieces, nephews and their families. Rolland is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Evelyn (Lorraine) Rice and Lucille (Owen) Hoak; granddaughter: Robin Westfall; great granddaughters: Samantha and Elizabeth. A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 6, 2019, at 11 a.m. at the Kalamazoo County Masonic Center, 4371 West U Ave, Schoolcraft. The family will receive friends at the Kalamazoo County Masonic Center one hour prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. A burial will follow at Schoolcraft Cemetery. Please visit Stub’s webpage at www.mccowensecord.com where you can read his life story, share a memory and/or a photo. Those who wish may make contributions to Kairos Dwelling, Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, and/or South Kalamazoo County Fire Fighter Association. The family is being assisted by the McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, Rupert-Durham Chapel, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg, (269-649-1697).