Colette Westensee passed away peacefully on Friday, August 30, 2024, in Bettendorf, Iowa. Born in Moline, Illinois on October 25, 1952, to parents Dorothy (Tierney) and Charles Vogele along with siblings Patricia and Margaret “Peggy,” a strong sense of family was instilled in Colette from a young age. Colette had a wonderful and special relationship with her sisters as she was 16 years younger than Patricia and 11 years younger than Peggy. The age difference did not prevent the sisters from being close and their closeness was only strengthened by Colette becoming an aunt at 8 years old. In a short time, Colette was aunt to 10 nieces and nephews.

Colette graduated from Moline High School and Black Hawk College before working at the State’s Attorney’s Office, where she first met her husband John in 1973. Colette and John were married on August 21, 1976, at Sacred Heart Church in Moline. In Colette’s words, “we do everything together, except play poker and watch TV.” After marriage, John and Colette lived in Rock Island, Illinois for 30 years where they raised their three children. They were members of St. Pius X Catholic Church and spent years building memories for the family at the Rock Island Arsenal Golf Club swimming pool and golf course. Colette relished being a stay-at-home mom for 21 years and was very active at the kids’ schools, Eugene Field, Washington Jr. High, and Rock Island High School, and a loyal supporter of athletics at Rocky, which continued after the kids graduated.

When the kids departed for college, Colette began work as a legal assistant for John’s law practice up until their retirement. Also, during this time, John and Colette moved to Moline in 2007 and joined Oakwood Country Club, Coal Valley.

Colette prioritized family above all, and her favorite pastime involved spending time with children and grandchildren supporting their activities, whether it be in Davenport, Chicago, or St. Louis. When not spending time with her family, she enjoyed staying active golfing, biking, walking, Jazzercise and gardening. She also was a devoted friend and enjoyed staying in touch with many lifelong friends over lunch or dinner.

Colette is survived by her husband John, son Jay (Laura Lynn) Westensee, daughters Erin (Ben) George and Laura (Nick Niemeyer) Westensee; grandchildren Andy, Kelsey, Maddie and Wyatt George, Henry and Alice Westensee and Jack Niemeyer; and sister, Patricia Rekiere. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy and Charles Vogele, and sister Margaret “Peggy” Todd.

Visitation will be on Friday, September 6, 2024, from 4-7 pm at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Avenue, Rock Island.  The funeral will be at 10 am Saturday, September 7, 2024, at the funeral home.  The burial will take place at Chippiannock Cemetery, Rock Island.  A reception to follow at the Riverfront Grille (4619 34th Street, Rock Island, IL).

 
Colette was a member of St. Pius X Church, supported Chippiannock Cemetery, and volunteered at the philanthropic women’s organization P.E.O. International, Chapter GQ. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of these organizations or any charity close to your heart that would honor Colette’s legacy. Online condolences, memories, and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com.

A special thank you to the doctors and nurses at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for their comprehensive medical support of Colette over the past several years as well as Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House. Her family is eternally grateful for the extra time they had with her as a result of her care.