Roll Call Tribute

Kyle W. Westfall 

September 5, 1958 - September 22, 2024 

Kyle Westfall, 66, passed away at his home, with his wife at his side, on the evening of September 22, 2024. Celebration of life service will be held at Hillier Funeral Home (2301 E. 29th Street, Bryan, TX 77802) at 3:30pm on September 28, 2024. Per Kyle’s wishes, no flowers please. Any memorials given in Kyle’s name will be used to establish a 4-H scholarship.

Kyle was born in McAllen, TX on September 5, 1958 to Claudia and Ralph Westfall. He was the first of 3 children, his siblings Lisa Westfall and Bobby Westfall, with whom he was very close. He was raised in Donna, TX until he attended college at Texas A&M University in College Station. He was the Class of ’81 and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. He was also in the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, Squadron 15. He made many lifelong friends during his college years, which lead to his first job with A&M at the Beef Cattle Center. He loved animals of all breeds and working with them. He loved dogs in all shapes and sizes and made sure he always had one in his life. He lived and cowboyed on the Granada Ranch for 10 years before moving on to Producer’s Cooperative. He then became a veterinary technician for Texas A&M Large Animal Hospital for 24 years until he retired.

He married the love of his life, Joan, (Karjalainen) on December 22, 1990 in Frederick, SD. They were introduced via letter by a cousin in June of 1990, who told Joan to write “this lonely cowboy” on the Granada Ranch, near Wheelock, TX. Joan wrote “that lonely cowboy” while she was living in Nebraska and they started a whirlwind courtship. After several dozen letters and phone calls that led to a very hefty first month’s phone bill of $600, Kyle then flew up to meet Joan in Nebraska for the first time. They went steady for a day when he gave Joan his high school ring. The next day he proposed and a few months later they were married in South Dakota, where he got to see his first snow. They shared and built their lives for almost 34 years together on their hobby ranchette in Bryan, TX.

He loved children and was elated to be blessed with a daughter, his sunshine, Elise (Hoppock). They were inseparable and Elise was known to many as “Little Kyle” as she went everywhere with him. He taught her many life lessons and skills through their many adventures together. He shared his knowledge, humor and kindness to any child he was around. He always took the time for a joke or to pass on his wisdom. He shared his love of animals and 4-H with Elise. He was in 4-H as a child and believed whole heartedly in what the program could do for others. He was a leader in the Seeds and Weeds club and was even published in an article for the State 4-H Rabbit Manual. He was a leader in the Brazos 4-H Archery Club that Elise was a member of. Through the archery program, he became an Archery Coach and even served on the State 4-H Shooting Sports Committee. He spent many weekends on the road with Elise and Joan, travelling to tournaments and coaching the kids each Saturday. He dedicated many years to 4-H and truly believed that it made the “Best Better”.

He loved to travel and visit with family in Texas and ‘up north’. Kyle drove all over the country with his family on road trips and to see Joan’s family in South Dakota and Iowa. He loved spending time with them, especially when his visits lined up with fishing weather and pheasant season. He made many memories with Joan’s family and they were very close to his heart. He fished and hunted with them often. He was thrilled that his son-in-law, Samuel Hoppock, shared his same interests. He had fishing and hunting buddies in Texas and SD. His last Saturday on earth, he was fishing with friends. He was known for his handyman skills and family members always had a list of things for Kyle to do. Before any visit, he would call to find out what his chore list was. He enjoyed helping them. The only payment he requested was a favorite meal or a fishing/hunting expedition. Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday as cooking the big meal was a family affair. Everyone was in the kitchen on Thanksgiving day from making the “dressing” (stuffing) in the large Rubbermaid tub to making the famous family recipe of macaroni and cheese. He loved to cook and try new recipes. He would even clip out recipes and mail them to Elise so that they could discuss it over the phone later.

He loved to tease and joke with everyone. He was well known for his “dad jokes” and always had one on hand at any given time. One of his favorites to tell was “ Why don’t Aggies like M&Ms? Because they are too hard to peel!” Don’t worry, most of us didn’t understand that joke either, must be an Aggie thing. He loved to play games, especially his standing weekly card night with Joan, his mom and any friends that happened to show up. He never knew a stranger as a person wouldn’t be one for long as Kyle would take the time to get to know them. He was a friend to many and would help anyone that he could with whatever he had.

He was a man of great faith, attending church whenever he could. He served as a deacon for the Providence Church. He shared his faith with others, telling how God was working in his life. He was always trying to grow and strengthen his faith and read Scripture daily. He had just finished his goal of reading the entire Bible, book by book. He will be missed by many. A book could be written about Kyle with his many interests, hobbies and the memories he made, so please feel free to share any stories with friends and family.

He was preceded in death by: His father, Ralph and his sister, Lisa. He is survived by his wife, Joan, daughter Elise, son-in-law Samuel and current family dog, Rosie. Also his mother, Claudia, brother Bobby Westfall and his family, as well as Joan’s family and other extended family.