Vernon & Henrietta Westendorf

John Vernon Westendorf and Henrietta Carroll Meseke Westendorf

J. Vernon was born November 3, 1914, the 3rd generation to be in the U.S. (paternal grandparents emigrated from Germany).  His mother was Edith Schultz Westendorf, and his father was Frank Westendorf.  He had one brother, beloved Jack, who died at age 12 of mastoiditis.  In his grief, Vernon wrote a  poem describing Jack’s attributes; it was the only poem he ever wrote.  During Vernon’s childhood, his family moved many times; he didn’t have a chance to stay connected for too long anywhere.  He was fun-loving and generally enjoyed life.  He was a man’s man , enjoying sports and being active physically.  He went to school in Anne Arundel County, Maryland but did not finish high school but attained his GED later.   He learned a trade as tool and dye maker and worked at Universal Machines during WW2.  He had a desire to serve his country and joint the military but was rated 4F because he had a wife and 2 babies.  He served as a volunteer firefighter at Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department in the 1940’s and 50’s.

Henrietta Carroll Meseke was born April 14, 1917 to William and Naomi Snyder Meseke.  She grew up in Ferndale, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, the oldest of four.    She was an avid reader and played the piano.  As many families struggled financially during the depression in the 1930’s, she had to quit school in her junior year of high school to get a job and help the family financially.  However, she did go back to high school the following year and graduated!  One of her attributes was her determination  to complete a task - which resulted in her getting her h.s. diploma.  Henrietta met Vernon at Ferndale Methodist Church.  She had her eye on him and stuck her foot out in the aisle (accidentally on purpose)  so he had to take notice.  Well, it worked; they fell in love and married at that same church in June 1936.  At that time she worked at Montgomery Ward until Naomi Carroll was born November 10, 1938.  Her sister, Verna Kathleen , was born March 2, 1940.  She eventually returned to the work force as stenographic secretary and worked at various places.  Vernon and Henrietta both ended up working at Westinghouse Defense Plant in Linthicum, where they retired.  Traveling was something they enjoyed in their twilight years.  Both also enjoyed ballroom dancing throughout their married life.  They also became serious about their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and attended Bible studies.