Donald Westberg

MADISON - Donald Raymond Westberg, age 79, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014 at Agrace HospiceCare. A lifelong Madisonian, Donald was born at St. Mary's Hospital on January 13, 1935, the son of Raymond and Gertrude (Kurtz) Westberg. He graduated from Madison East High School in 1953 and worked as a plant supervisor at Oscar Mayer for 38 years. He expressed his love for the City of Madison by volunteering as a Canterbury Run/Walk Coordinator, a prolific R.E.A.D.I volunteer, a St. Vincent liaison, an active member of St. Dennis Parish, and a security guard at Camp Randall for his beloved Badgers. Inspired by the Christmas Gospel according to St. Luke, Donald took on the role of Santa Claus where his generous spirit touched many lives for years.

He is survived by his cherished wife, Louise Therese (Wedig) Westberg; daughters, Theresa Westberg Marrs of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Angela (Shawn) Alt of Madison; sons, Michael Westberg of Columbus, Steven (Valorie) Westberg of Madison, and Patrick (Dana) Westberg of Cottage Grove; grandchildren, Timothy, Sarah, Christopher, Rachel, Madeline, and Grace.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers and sisters.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 413 Dempsey Road, Madison on Tuesday, January 6, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. with Father Randy Timmerman officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Monona. A visitation will be held at church on Monday, January 5, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and at church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.

"No Santa Claus! Thank God! He lives, and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood." - The NY Sun September 21, 1897.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
3325 E. Washington Avenue
(608) 249-6666