William “Bill” Temmen, 86, of Westphalia passed away on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at Rusk Rehabilitation Center, Columbia.

He was born April 29, 1938 in Westphalia to the late Lawrence and Helen (Scheulen) Temmen.  Bill grew up in Westphalia and attended St. Joseph Elementary School.  At a young age, Bill learned the value of hard work and discovered his ability to make something out of nothing.  He lived by the motto… “I can make that”.  

Bill was an integral part of Westphalia.  At the age of 14, he began working at Westphalia Feed Mill and at the age of 16 was one of the original members of the volunteer fire department.  Not only was he a current board member of the Water District, Bill was available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week when water lines needed to be located or fixed, meters needed to be installed or a resident called with an emergency.  If roads needed grading, Bill was there.  If roads needed snow plowing, Bill was there.  If a neighbor needed something made or fixed or any kind of machine part, Bill was there.   He truly wanted the very best for Westphalia.

On October 24, 1959, Bill married Irene Schwartz at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Folk.  They raised six children with Irene working at Fatima High School and Bill working at the mill, retiring after 52 years of service.

Survivors include their children; Carol (Doug) Distler of High Point, Doris Lueckenhoff of Wardsville, David (Donna) Temmen of Westphalia, Betty Temmen of Westphalia, Helen (Richard) Bower of Westphalia, Amy (Rodney) Luebbering of St. Thomas; ten grandchildren, Justin (Lindsey) Francisco, Ryan Distler, Adam (Tracie) Distler, Nathan (Shelby) Lueckenhoff, Nicole Lueckenhoff, Rachel Temmen, Morgan Luebbering, Jacob Luebbering, Emma Bower, Addison Bower; seven great grandchildren, Gaige, Ella, Ava, Connor, Emery, Lacie and Bennett; three sisters-in-law, Theresa Temmen, Joan (Walter) Berhorst and Agnes Schwartz; two brothers-in-law, David (Mary) Schwartz and Walter Schwartz.  Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; parents-in-law, Anton and Loretta Schwartz; three brothers, Lawrence “Butch”  (Mary Jane) Temmen, Bernard (Margie) Temmen and Walter “Pete” Temmen; three sisters, Gladys (Frank) Wieberg, Mildred (Alfred) Wieberg and Alice (Bill) Markway; grandson, William Rodney Luebbering; two brothers-in-law, Jerry and James Schwartz; sister-in-law, Theresa Schwartz; two nephews, Marty Wieberg and Robbie Temmen.

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Trimble Funeral Homes-Westphalia with a prayer service beginning at 3:30 p.m.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Westphalia on Thursday beginning at 10:00 a.m.  Reverend Dylan Schrader will officiate.  Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. 

Memorials may be directed to St. Joseph Catholic Church or School. 

Trimble Funeral Homes-Westphalia is assisting our family with arrangements.  trimblefunerals.com