Mardella “Marti” L. Westphal

Mardella “Marti” L. Westphal, 53, of Fond du Lac, passed away on June 21, 2024, at St. Agnes Hospital surrounded by her family and close friends. She was born on July 21, 1970, in Woodruff, WI, to John and Ruth (Sexton) Whitney.

Marti had great faith in God and placed total trust in Him always, but especially in troubled times and things would seem to always work out. Marti loved her family above all else. She always listened to and helped family and friends whenever she was able and was truly present.

Marti loved holidays, especially Christmas and Halloween when she created the best costumes. She planned and created décor for countless parties and family gatherings. She greatly enjoyed crafting and going to bingo and casinos. Marti liked watching reality and cooking shows. She also enjoyed playing games with friends and family often. She found joy in spending days at the beach with family and friends.

Marti loved going on drives with her husband that had no particular destination, as well as planned trips. A favorite trip was to Las Vegas during last Halloween with her husband, and friends Sherry and Dave. Marti liked to go to karaoke, live music events and powwows. Another favorite time was when Marti attended a Luke Bryan concert with her husband.

Marti is survived by her husband, Daniel; children, Justin (Gloria) Whitney, Darren Whitney, Jonathon Lobajeski; step-children, Andrew Westphal, Jayden (Tyler) Koplin, Devon Westphal; grandchildren, Ronald and Thomas Benson-Ziegler, Everest Ziegler, Remmi Rae Whitney and Kinsley Koplin.

She is further survived by siblings, Daryl Fugere, Lisa Oaks, Bruce Fugere; brothers-in-law, Norbert Neis, Robert Brooks, William (April) Westphal; sister-in-law, Betty Krenz; special friends, Sherry Byrd and Buffy Fieber, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Marti was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Robert Joseph Fugere, Jr., John Whitney, Jr., Brian Fugere and great nephew, David Custance.

Marti’s family invites relatives and friends to a Celebration of Marti’s Life at Zacherl Funeral Home on Monday, July 8th with visitation starting at 2:00 p.m. and a memorial service at 5:00 p.m. Please feel free to bring a story or memory to share.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at the Fond du Lac Dialysis Center and SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital who demonstrated great care for Marti. Also, a special thank you to Chaplain Eric Alvarez at SSM for spending time and praying with Marti’s family and friends.