John Paul Westerlund

John Paul Westerlund, 79, passed away on May 5th in Des Moines, Iowa, with his wife, Elaine Smith by his side. A memorial service will be held at 10 A.M., on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale, with visitation one hour prior to the service. There will also be an open house at the family home on Sunday, May 20, 2018 from 4:30 to 7:00 P.M. Paul was born September 26, 1938 to Edna (Flanagan) and Jack Westerlund, in Bronxville, New York. He lived over half his life in and around New York City. He attended Woodstock Country School in Vermont. After serving in the Army from 1962-1964 (Chunchon, Korea), he attended Hobart College in Geneva, NY. He majored in English and political science and was active in the drama department. Paul was a lifelong learner and had many interests and hobbies, including history, art, politics, woodworking, and cooking, as well as sailing, alpine and cross country skiing, and biking. Throughout his life, Paul was a voracious reader and a master of language and vocabulary. He was a member of The Art Students League in Manhattan, and Mensa International. During his life, Paul worked as an investment account representative for Burton, Dana, Westerlund on Wall Street, later as a waiter, bartender, and auto mechanic, and finally at Station 17 Books in St Paul, MN. He is survived by his wife, Elaine Smith; brother Robert N. (Barbara) Westerlund (Dale, Brette and Kyle) of Palm Coast, FL and NH; children Kurt (Kari Cashen, Cade) Westerlund of Reno, NV; Erica (Bill Gruber) Westerlund of Seattle, WA; Luke (Sara Kjellin, Leo and Bo) Westerlund of Monterey, CA; step-daughters Stephanie (Jonathan) Mathews (William, Eleanor, and Evelyn) of Cumming, IA; and Stacey Smith of Chicago, IL. He will be remembered for his wisdom, wit, kindness, and integrity. Memorial contributions may be directed to Taylor House Hospice (3401 E. Douglas Ave., Des Moines, IA 50317) or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.caldwellparrish.com.