Dolores A. Westphal

Dolores A. Westphal passed away at her home in New Berlin and was reunited with her husband Paul on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at the age of 86. Loving Mom of Greg (Karin) and Doug (Theresa) Westphal. Proud Grandma of Danielle (Andy), Derek (Emily), Amanda, Ashley (Derrek) and Jacob. Cherished Sister of La Vern (the late Art) Sommer, Ruth (the late Aaron) Pankow, Carol (the late Fred) Huebner, Daniel (Sue) Gruetzmacher, David Gruetzmacher and Sandy (the late Lester) Quant.  Sister-in-Law of Lorriane Gruetzmacher and Ken Westphal. Preceded in death by her brothers, Eldor and Harrold. Further survived by many other wonderful relatives and friends.

Dolores was born in New London, WI, on May 13th 1938. She grew up on the farm and was no stranger to hard work. She wore this as a badge of honor. After moving to Milwaukee, she met her husband Paul while attending a Holiday Ice show. They briefly lived near the city in an apartment before building their home in New Berlin. In the 60’s she would “Jockey” cars for Selig Cars, where she met some of her long life friends. After Dolores worked as a Toy distributor rep until the opportunity came for her to begin selling Tupperware. Dolores quickly rose to district manager and had us boys sorting orders on weekends. This venture quickly grew to a more than full time position, achieving many awards and trips from Tupperware.   All of us who knew Dolores knew that she lived by the motto, “Work Hard and Play Hard”. While Tupperware was taking up much of her time, Paul suggested she find something else that would free up her schedule. At a dinner party at Bev Zimmerman’s they discussed school photography, which Bev had been doing. My Dad thought this would be a good fit for her and she joined Herff Jones photography in 1974. Once again, Dolores built up a base of customers which caught the eye of Will Northrup of Delmar Studios. In 1976, Dolores joined Delmar Studios. Eight years later, after building a loyal customer base, Dolores started D. Westphal Photography. This again grew quickly and became one of SE Wisconsin’s premier school photography companies. Retiring in 2003, Dolores was not one to sit still, she was always such a people person. Helping with her son’s school picture business and spending time with the grandkids. She decided to start another small business to keep her occupied.

Dolores was very proud of her family and given the opportunity she would let you know this. Her main interests and hobbies were her Grandkids. She loved them more than they will know and valued and cherished the time she spent with them. If it was taking the girls shopping or watching a baseball game or just playing games with them she was always there for them. Grandma D was a fun grandma and a generous grandma. Christmas was one of her favorite times in life and something her family will always keep. She would always over gift and spoil the grandkids. She loved giving gifts! Grandma D was the first to call the grandkids to see how things were going for them, how their day was or to see if they wanted to go out to eat, “My Treat!”.

Dolores was a very giving person. If you would complement her on one of her accessories or outfits, she would say, “you like this? Here you can have it”. Many times she would literally give the shirt off her back.

She was blessed with having many good friends throughout life, after Paul passed away, she extended that friendship to many new people. Her friends meant the world to her and her generosity showed it. She was a familiar face and could be seen at one of favorite local spots playing and talking to the machines! She will be missed by many!

Visitation will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, WI  53151, on Thursday, October 10, 2024, 4-7 Pm. Additional Visitation will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 11709 West Cleveland Avenue, West Allis, 53227 on Friday, October 11, 2024, 10-11AM. Funeral Service at 11AM. Entombment to follow at Wisconsin Memorial Park.

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