These pages are dedicated to Uncle George who began the search into our families ancestry. The torch has been passed and now it is my turn to research and record our rich heritage. It's important that we all understand what our family overcame when they left their homeland to build a new life here in the United States.

George and Kay Westermann

Family Tree

Fond Memories of Uncle George   My comment about Uncle George is that the smartest thing he ever did in his life was to marry Aunt Kay! They were perfect for each other and always brought out the best in each other. They loved each other so very much and ALWAYS made the other one feel (in their words) "Like numero uno". Aunt Kay thought Uncle George was wonderful, and through her love, he blossomed into the man we all remember with love and grins. I enjoy reading all the memories you folks have of him...I never realized what an impact he had on all the kids in the family. He just did things and never said a word. He seemed to know all of our separate personalities and loved us all anyway! I am getting the feeling that Uncle George learned who each of us was and then encouraged us to be what we could become. I wish they were both here to still enjoy. Jill Uncle George had a huge impact on my life after high school. During my junior year I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in engineering. I had no idea where I wanted to go to school. Nobody in the family was even aware that there were universities other than Michigan State. When George heard about my plans he said "Come on over! I know a bunch of people in the electronics business and they must know what the good schools are." I spent several days with Kay and George. George had arranged visits with some high-level folks from IBM and Western Electric. They all said "Purdue is the only place to go!" So I did. And they were right. We visited Kay and George in Cleveland TN in 1970 (Heidi was just a baby). One night after dinner George whispered to me "Follow me, I want to show you something." He produced a small clay jug from a closet, and invited me to try a swig. I did. After a few minutes when I could breath again I asked him what it was. "Moonshine - The best in the county." "Where did you get it?" "The Sheriff" (Big smile) It seems that whenever the local sheriff raided a still, he saved some of the really good stuff for his close friends. Uncle George was one of his close friends. George knew the secret. If you want to have friends, BE one! Rich I can't do 100 words or less regarding Uncle George----it would take volumes---- I was truly blessed to have both Uncle George and Aunt Kay as "major players" in my life. My children and I would not be where we are today had it not been for Uncle George's total faith in me and my ability to think, feel, solve problems and take care of myself and my children. Over 30 years ago he encouraged me to make some extremely tough decisions at a very unhappy time in my life. I was four years old when Uncle George and Aunt Kay were married. For years I spent part of every summer with them. They loved to travel. We toured Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming & South Dakota. This was all before air-conditioned cars and Hampton Inns!! A couple of places out West we slept 3 in a double bed !! Uncle George loved raising glads (we used to take them to the Illinois State Fair... always winning blue ribbons !!) and raspberries (for Aunt Kay). He was one of the "pioneers" in the computer industry...He would be in his glory now with the computers, on-line, e-mail, genealogy on the net, corresponding with other stamp collectors, etc,>!!! He enjoyed fixing a big breakfast (as Ann stated, crepes were his specialty). He destroyed the kitchen but Aunt Kay never complained. They came to help out when all three of my children were born. They were there for us during the rough years. The children & I spent a lot of time with them. After Tom and I were married we continued our wonderful relationship...writing and visiting as often as possible. After they moved to Tennessee we traveled with our travel trailer to visit during spring break every year. They spent many Christmas holidays at our home. Our oldest granddaughter is named Kathryne. I could go on for pages.....as I said....My family & I are blessed. Sherry I have many fond memories of Uncle George. Once when I was in high school and Mom and Dad were gone on vacation together (this in itself was a rarity), he invited me, Ann, and Wayne over for Sunday brunch. This was a real adventure because we would be driving to Park Ridge with out the parents there. He served his wonderful crepes--the first time I remember ever having any. I always will remember the family get togethers for Father's Day with Isa and the rest of the Makela clan. I loved the Canasta games and the general sense of fun everyone shared in on these occasions. I still smile thinking about the first time my ex-husband Bob ever met any of the Makela aunts and uncles. It was before we got married and it was a Father's Day celebration at the Westermann's. Uncle George, Uncle Ed and Uncle Bud pulled Bob into a huddle and questioned him about his sanity in really wanting to marry into such a nutty family as the Makelas. It made him feel right at home and accepted. When Uncle George was doing the early searching of the genealogy and checking out all the Makelas and their spouses, he sent me a letter that began "Dear Princess, When your husband arrives home from work today, tell him to kiss your feet, but no higher than your ankles because you are related to royalty." He had just received the information on Mom's side of the family from her second cousin twice removed that had filled in data for that branch back to the 900s in England and Elthelred II. He's the one that got me interested in genealogy. After he died, Aunt Kay sent me all of his genealogy records because I had been so smitten with the stuff. Life stepped in and pulled me away from that enterprise, but I'm so glad that Ann has taken up the baton and are pursuing it further. Lyn   I remember (I know it's hard to believe but I do) quite a few things, such as Uncle George and Aunt Kay's Solar house in Rockford , IL and the trips we would go on to visit. Uncle George's relatives in Harvard,IL on the way to Walworth,WI.. Uncle George's crepes and that beautiful backyard we used to play croquette on when he would become poison or send us to the most remote corner of the yard. One summer I stayed for a few days with both Uncle George and Grampa Makela when he was living with them we stayed up well past midnight to watch the World Wrestling Federation Wrestlers and both Grampa and Uncle George were rooting for their favorite guys. That was a great summer. We used to sit in the backyard with binoculars and identify the different airlines as their jets flew over those were the good old times. Oh yeah I remember Uncle George running interference for Mom to when she would light up a cigarette and Dad would be headed in that direction, uncle George would make some wild noises and then strike up a conversation with Dad to warn Mom to take cover. We would always have a blast at Grampa's house in Waukegan when everyone got together on Christmas and the other get togethers there was never a dull moment. Wayne

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