BRADLEY WESTPHAL

Bradley R. Westphal passed away on Friday, July 24, 2015 due to complications following a stroke. Brad was born December 19, 1960 in Neenah, WI, son of the late Roger & Audrey (Sabrowski) Westphal. Brad was a beloved father, friend, coach, and teacher. He graduated from Menasha High School in 1979, earning honors as a first-team all-state football player. Brad attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where he enjoyed a very successful college football career and graduated with his teaching degree in broad field social studies in 1984. He began his teaching and coaching career in Mosinee, WI in 1984 and was named district "teacher of the year" in 1987. In 1989 he accepted a teaching and head football coaching position in Neillsville, WI, where he was also actively involved in the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association. His teams were extremely successful, winning numerous conference championships. In 2001 he returned to Menasha, his alma mater, taking a teaching and head football coaching position. Brad coached the Bluejays from 2001-2007, where he turned around the Menasha football program. He led the Bluejays to WIAA playoff appearances in 2003 and 2005. The Bluejays won the FVA championship title in 2005, the first FVA title for Menasha since 1975. Brad was known for his compassion and creativity while teaching and coaching. He was exceedingly passionate about numerous aspects of his life, such as his role within the Menasha Teachers Union, serving as treasurer, vice-president, and president, as well as being extremely active in politics in the State of Wisconsin. Brad was also very active in the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association, frequently serving as district rep and also coaching in the Wisconsin All-Star Game in 1998, 2007, and 2012. He retired from coaching in 2013. Brad is survived by his children Hannah (Westphal) Miller (fiancé Jeff Feistel ), Tyler (fiancée Serena Gebert), Molly; treasured grandson Carson ("Carc") Miller; and his former wife and friend Vicki Westphal. Brad is further survived by his uncle Bruce (Nancy) Westphal and aunt Barb Beers; cousins; special friends Paul, Jeff, Jeramie, and Nick; and many other friends. Brad's smile, laughter and sense of humor would light up a room! He had a special love for animals, especially his dogs Shylee and Cinder. He enjoyed playing cribbage, fishing, "night walks", frosty mugs, Friday night fish, Coke Zero, sausage burritos, karaoke ("Brandy"), cook-outs, and especially spending time with his family and friends. A celebration of Brad's life will be held from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Saturday, August 1, 2015 at Nathan Calder Stadium, 619 12th Street, Menasha, WI. A special ceremony "kick off" will take place at 7:00 PM. In case of inclement weather, the celebration will be held at Menasha High School. Please visit http://www.westgorfuneralhomes.com/ for details. Please feel free to wear your fan gear. In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established in Brad's name. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the ICU staff at Theda Clark Regional Medical Center for the care and compassion shown to Brad and his family and friends. You are angels on earth. "A good coach improves your game, a great coach improves your life" ~ Michael Josephson