Robert Westphal was born in Cokato, Minn., on Oct. 1, 1959, and died at his home in Apple Valley, on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025 at the age of 66.
Rob was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Henry Westphal and Vivian Mabel (Starke) Westphal who lived in Howard Lake, Minn.; and Rob’s family dog, Mandy. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Kelly Jo (Rennick) Westphal, married on October 11, 1986, in Arlington, Minn. Rob has two daughters, Lauren Jean (Jeramy) Girard, of Rochester, Minn., and Mallory Marie (Jesse) Pederson of Lakeville, Minn. Surviving him as well are his three grandchildren who were an important piece in his life, Hartley Ruth Girard (age 10), Serenity Rose Girard (age 5), and Vernon LeRoy Steven Pederson (9). Rob is also survived by his sister, Deborah (Dave) Entner; brother, Steven (Lynette) Westphal; parents in law, Marlys and Wally Rennick; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Rob was baptized on Oct. 18, 1959, at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake, Minn. He went to kindergarten through 8th grade at St. James Lutheran Church School, then went on to graduate from Howard Lake Waverly High School. He attended and graduated from Mankato State University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree and a double major in Business Administration Management and Business Administration Industrial Relations in 1982. Rob was a banker at various community banks and spent the majority of his career at Prior Lake State Bank and retired at 57 years old.
Rob enjoyed traveling via their Leisure Travel Van (LTV) all around the United States of America and Canada, cruising around the western hemisphere, biking, and was an avid NASCAR fan and space enthusiast. Rob and Kelly are co-leaders of the Midwest LTV Club. On their RV trips, they would try to include going to a NASCAR race, an LTV Rally, biking and enjoying nature and the tranquil beauty of the world. He also enjoyed watching all types of sporting events including golf, the Olympics and the Tour de France. Rob also enjoyed his daily naps.
Rob’s family was very important to him along with the practice of serving others. He believed in the saying “Live simply, so others can simply live.” Rob’s faith was an important foundation as he built his family and he worked to instill the values of many parts of the Bible including Matthew 28:18 – 20, And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, at Mercy Road Church at the Crossroads, 17671 Glacier Way, Lakeville. Visitation begins at 10 a.m. A light lunch will be served following the service. The service will also be live streamed on YouTube: Mercy Road Church at the Crossroads.