Rick L. Westendorf

Ricky Lee Westendorf passed away on Monday January 24, 2022. He was surrounded by those he loved the most at the time of his passing.

Rick was born on January 7, 1967 in Clinton, Iowa before growing up in Morrison Illinois in a loving home raised by his mother, Paula and his father Rich. He grew up around three sisters (Jill, Crystal, Jody) and a brother (Scotty) that he loved dearly.

He graduated from Byron High School in the class of 1985, where he starred in football and baseball.

Following high school, Rick took on his most important jobs. He was a loyal husband to his beautiful wife Jennifer after they were married on March 9, 1991.
Shortly after the wedding, they gave birth to two sons, Jacob (September 1991) and Adam (June 1993)

Rick was not only a father to his boys but a father figure to all of their friends.
He spent his spare time when he wasn't driving his truck coaching various sports. He was a lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan and was more than happy to see them win Super Bowl 52 over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

Rick made a wide variety of friends that were more like family during his time as a truck driver. Mike, Joel, FNG Chris, Wild Bill, and so many others were people that he always cared deeply about.

When he wasn't working, the Blackhawk/Salamone's/LLL Outlaws were his pride and joy. He always told his friends that asked what his hat meant to "watch out for the O."

He coached at Roy Gayle baseball complex for 15 years. He won six league titles, coached in nine title games, and helped with various groundskeeping needs on those diamonds that were his pride and joy in his later years.

He left Roy Gayle when it was time to take on his most important job of all. He became a "Papa" to Blake Elizabeth Westendorf on September 18, 2019. "BEW Bear" was the apple of Papa's eye. A kind of love that he had never known before, that he poured into little Blake Elizabeth for those two years.

He had an infectious smile, a laugh with a joke or smart comment always ready for the occasion.

He left a lasting legacy with those that love him that include:

Paula, Jody (Bill, Diana, Greg, Julia), Jill (Tim, Matt, Ashley, Amber), Scott (Katie, Bella), Crystal (Mark, Colin, Carly); Jennifer (Adam), Jacob (Frankie, BEW Bear); Georgia, Annette (Walt, Courtney, Angel, Lucas), Becky, and Kris (Jack, Calvin, Raichel).

A visitation will take place for Rick on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 3:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Roy Gayle Baseball/Softball, 903 S Meridian Road, Rockford, Illinois 61102 to help the success of the teams Rick was so proud of. To send online condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com

Ricky Lee Westendorf

January 7, 1967 - January 24, 2022