Fred Jeffrey Westercamp

Fred Jeffrey Westercamp (Jeff) was born 12/31/1953 to June and Fred Westercamp of Newton, IA. Jeff died peacefully in his home on 10/22/2024 with his wife, Sherry, and full time caregiver present.

As a child, after a visit to the local dentist, Jeff knew from a very early age what he aspired to become. His academic journey wasn’t effortless. Jeff taught his children that dreams are accomplished through hard work and dedication, just as his own dream was achieved in 1979 when he graduated from University of Iowa with his DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery).

Jeff began his dentistry career in 1980 at Dental East in Cedar Rapids, IA. In 1985, he transitioned to his own practice, Lindale Dental Care, in the basement of Lindale Mall; and in 1989, the practice moved to 1st Ave, SE. In 2004, construction was underway at the same location for a new office building, another one of Jeff’s dreams coming to fruition. During this time, Jeff simultaneously saw dental patients in the existing office that was later demolished. Jeff was so very proud of what he had accomplished, but he was above all else humble, always giving thanks to God for his blessings. Rather than boast about his accolades, his children recall how he’d come home and share stories of patients who had touched his heart. For many of those same patients, Jeff would feel guided by God to provide pro bono dental work; he felt it was an act of service, something small he could do for another soul. Jeff additionally volunteered his dental services on a mission trip to Paraguay in 1998.

Jeff met Sherry Hebron at college in 1978, and they wed in 1980; they had five children together. Despite his demanding career and business responsibilities, Jeff prioritized being an active father. He coached soccer, traveled with his son’s hockey team, helped with homework, taught his children to sew, made thousands of pancakes, built immense snow forts, took countless family bike rides, and put on glorious holiday firework displays. Jeff purchased a number of acres in Toddville, IA, and on that plot of farmland, he and his sons experienced immense freedom and bonded while riding dirt bikes for hours on end. Jeff also experienced significant pride in being able to teach his sons all the intricacies of optimal lawn care. Jeff

enjoyed taking his family on vacation; one of their favorite places to go in the fall was the Sparta Elroy bike trail in Wisconsin. Jeff enjoyed gardening alongside his wife, and their beautiful flowerbeds are evidence of the years spent nurturing this pastime. Jeff enjoyed showing his love by making his wife and children jewelry or scrimshaw. Jeff was always present, when able, always loving, and always his childrens’ number one supporter.

Jeff was diagnosed with a rare melanoma of the eye in 2008 and underwent a cutting edge radiation treatment in Boston, MA. As a complication of treatment, he lost vision in that eye, but continued to practice dentistry, adapting to his disability. Shortly thereafter, Jeff was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), a rare type of dementia affecting language skills. This particular diagnosis was especially difficult to accept, as Jeff had stated on a number of occasions that he’d rather his physical body fail him versus his mental one. Jeff reluctantly retired from dentistry in 2011, leaving a career that felt less like work and more like a calling.

Despite his diagnosis and grim prognosis, Jeff was predominately optimistic and hopeful. He attended church regularly with a chai tea latte in tow (his new favorite Starbucks order since diagnosis). After retirement, Jeff enjoyed passing time by doing puzzles, taking long walks/bicycle rides, playing Sudoku, doing scrimshaw (an art form he began in college), watching and feeding the birds, reading his Bible, volunteering to do lawn work around the neighborhood, and helping out at his office by doing laundry or other tasks. He enjoyed assisting his admired lab technician, Lisa Vittetoe, or offering to make bank deposits for the front office manager, Marie Forney. Jeff’s palate, as well as his behavior, was specific and ritualistic following his diagnosis.

Jeff will be remembered as a patient, pensive, religious, and generous man. He was someone who enjoyed being active; he always had a project and a mental to-do list. Jeff was driven, hardworking, focused, and determined. He was a man who loved making others laugh and who wasn’t afraid to be silly. Jeff was resilient and an optimist at heart. Despite life’s challenges and struggles, he maintained his steadfast faith and inspired others to do the same. He was an involved father and loyal, loving spouse. Jeff will be dearly missed by many, but he will forever be in our hearts.

Jeff’s visitation will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 4 to 7pm on November 15th. The memorial service is scheduled for the following day, the 16th of November, at 11am at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. The inurnment will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, IA following the service and luncheon. Jeff’s family is honored that a former patient, as well as friend of his, Pete Buschmann will be the pastor officiating the memorial service and inurnment. In lieu of flowers, financial gifts can be made ‘in memory of F.J. Westercamp’ to St. Croix Hospice and/or Toothbrushers and Balaam’s Donkey, a non-profit

charity of Oral Care Aides (OCA). OCA provides oral screenings and daily toothbrush assistance to people with limited self care ability.

Thank you to the following agencies who helped coordinate Jeff’s care, including Brightstar Agency, St. Croix Hospice team, and Good People LLC. A special thank you to two of Jeff’s primary caregivers who provided such tender, heartfelt care. Jeff’s family is so appreciative of both Burtejin Buren (Jenny), as well as Budsuren Purevdorj (BJ), who was present with Jeff on the day he passed away; both of these women graciously honored Jeff by providing him with the most compassionate care. Jeff’s wife, Sherry, would also like to acknowledge the following: Joan Rundall (grooming assistance), Claire Boeke and Laynee (aids), as well as Will Hardy and Adam Summers (music therapy).

Jeff is survived by his wife, Sherry, and four of his five children, Kindra (Justin), Audra, Chase (Hillary), and Grace (Michael); his two granddaughters (Kennedy, Ramsey) and one grandson (Michael Jr); his siblings Patricia Westercamp, Tim Westercamp, and Dixie Peterson. Jeff is proceeded in death by his parents, his son, Jeffrey Ross, and his brother, Robert Westercamp.