Julius J. Bengel Westphalia, Michigan Julius J. Bengel of Westphalia, born January 6, 1922, passed away at the age of 91, Friday, June 21, 2013 at Clinton Memorial Hospital in St. Johns. Julius was a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Knights of Columbus, and was one of the three oldest members of the St. Joseph Society. He was a devout Catholic and attended St. Mary's church faithfully his entire life, serving as an usher for many years. He enjoyed volunteering for community activities, including translating church records from German to English and assisting with local blood drives. Julius served in the infantry in World War II, representing his country in Belgium, France and Germany. He was awarded the Silver Star, 4 battle and 4 overseas' stars, as well as the Good Conduct and Victory medals. Julius enjoyed his family immensely, and was especially tickled at the naming of his most recent great grandchild, (little) Julius. He was a staunch supporter of PW athletics, and attended hundreds of games with his brother Bernie. He loved watching sports on television, and could always be found on fall Saturday afternoons watching his 2 favorite football teams, Notre Dame and Michigan. In the summer, he closely followed his beloved Yankees. Julius had a work ethic that was second to none. He was employed with the Oldsmobile division of GM for 33 years. ("And 1 week", as he liked to say.) He also lovingly cared for his farm for over 60 years, and took great pride in the fact it will have been in the family for 100 years next summer. Though he will be missed so very much by his family and friends, we know he will be resting peacefully "west of town". Julius was preceded in death by his wife Marie; sisters Rose, Helen Barker (Jerome) and Marie Manning (Charlie); brother Leonard; special friend Carolyn Wirth. Surviving are his sons Bill of Lansing, Ken (Hanna) of Stanton, Dave (Judy) of St. Johns and Jeff (Tammy) of Westphalia; daughters Dorothe Briggs (Ken) of St. Johns, Jeanene of Lansing and Nancy Bengel Lavrik of Lansing; grandchildren DeShawn Ray (Sandy), Trent Briggs (Donna), Jessica Mustafa (Shahzad), Stacy Feldpausch (Garet), Tyler Bengel, Devin Bengel, Lucas Bengel (Emily) and Yana Bengel; great grandchildren Amiya, Naveed, Ayan, Maria, Caden, Julius, Alexis, Zeb and Zane; brother Bernie Bengel of Westphalia; sister-in-law Ula Otremnik (Hans) of Essen, Germany. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Westphalia, with Rev. Cecilio Reyna presiding. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Westphalia. Military Honors will be provided by the V.F.W. Post #3733 Fowler Westphalia Pewamo. The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. Sunday, and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Monday at the St. Mary's Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia Street, Westphalia. Rosaries will be prayed at 8 p.m. Sunday and 3 p.m. Monday. A Scriptural Wake Service will be held at 8 p.m. Monday. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes, Portland. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the V.F.W. Post #3733 Fowler Westphalia Pewamo, St. Mary's Catholic Church, or the Knights of Columbus Westphalia Council, in memory of Julius. On line condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.