David Westphal Obituary, Indianapolis, Indiana Resident Has Died

David Westphal Obituary, Death – David Westphal of Indianapolis, Indiana suddenly passed away. He began his careers as a boat builder, designer, and sailor at the tender age of eleven. He graduated from Port Huron High School and enrolled in junior college before moving to Miami and enrolling at the University of Miami.

For his achievements as a builder and sailor, he enjoyed high regard in the Miami community. The Westphal Dualer and the Westphal One Design were inventions of his. A sizable number of custom yachts were also built by him, including steamboats, paddlewheels, Sharpies (Yellowbird, Tropic Bird), and many other types of vessels.

The Sail, Power, and Steam Museum in Rockland, Maine has both one of his steamboats and its full-size replica. On March 10, 1988, Dave wed Loretta Walls, whom he referred to as “the jewel of his life.” They worked as owners and managers of the Manatee Bay Marine for many years before retiring to the Big Pine Key area. In Maine, where they would spend the summers, they were active members of the local sailing community.

David’s sole living family members are his wife Loretta “Luigi” Westphal, daughter Mary Ann Weitnauer (Michael), and grandkids James (Erin Kavanagh) and Andrew Dorsey. His son-in-law Michael Weitnauer will also recall him. He is also survived by his sisters Nancy Madtes, Jo Westphal, and Carole Bleasdale, as well as a substantial number of nieces and nephews (Robert Gilkey).

In an effort to speed up the development of a Parkinson’s disease treatment, David offered his body to science. Celebrations of Dave’s life will take place in significant locations such as East Boothbay, Maine; Port Huron; Coconut Grove; Miami River; Manatee Bay; and Big Pine Key in addition to cremation. In line with the actions that will be performed to support that, the cremation will take place.