Kendall L. Westeen Sr.

Kendall L. Westeen was born on June 30, 1933 in Ashland, Wisconsin to Lloyd and Mildred Westeen.  As a child and young man, Ken lived in Ironwood, Michigan with brothers Roderick and James and parents until he enlisted in the Air Force in 1950.

Ken was trained and worked as an aircraft mechanic and served overseas in Japan during the Korean Conflict until he was honorably discharged in 1954.  After his service, Ken returned home and worked as a mechanic for various aircraft manufacturers as well as with his father at their family printing business, News Record in Ironwood, Michigan. 

Working at the family printing business when he was younger, Ken learned to be a pressman and printer.  He continued his father’s work later in life joining the International Typographical Union and working as a union printer at many newspapers including, St. Louis Post Dispatch, The Detroit Free Press, The San Jose Mercury and El Paso Times/Script Howard, to name a few.

While passing through and working at the El Paso Times, Ken was introduced to Graciela Cardenas and they quickly fell in love. After getting married, Ken and Grace, both union printers, traveled and worked together in cities all over the United States where they were able to work as union printers.

In 1973, they were blessed with their first son, Kendall Jr. and their second son, Dominic, in 1979.

Ken and Grace started their own printing business, Upper Valley Press, in 1983 in Canutillo, Texas. Upper Valley Press was proudly one of the only union print shops in El Paso. Ken and Grace successfully ran their business for 40 years.

Ken was a proud member of the El Paso Mac Users Group, a 40-year member of St. Patrick’s church, a Charter member of the Sun-Up Optimist Club, a member of the Air Force Sergeant’s Association and a member of the American Legion, among others.

Over the years, Ken and his family enjoyed traveling by RV across the US.  They went on frequent camping and fishing trips to Elephant Butte reservoir, California, Las Vegas and everywhere in between. Ken enjoyed telling stories, listening to music, sipping a cold beer and eating a tasty meal.

Kendall L. Westeen, age 89, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, January 29, 2023 in El Paso, Texas. He was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother and will be greatly missed. Kendall is preceded in death by his parents; Lloyd Westeen and Mildred Trelor, as well as his brothers; Roderick Westeen and James Westeen.

He is survived by his wife; Graciela Cardenas Westeen, daughters, Lizbeth Peters and Danette Muncy and his sons; Kendall Lynwood Westeen Jr. and Dominic Lloyd Westeen as well as his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many extended family and friends to cherish and honor his memory.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30am on Friday, February 17, 2023 at St. Patrick’s Church; 7065 2nd Ave, Canutillo, TX 79835. Followed by a Graveside Service at Memorial Pines Cemetery; 3061 Mem Pnes Rd, Sunland Park, NM 88063. A celebration of life will follow the Graveside Service to be held at St. Patrick’s Church Hall across the street from the St Patrick’s Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to be made to the Maryknoll Society - donate.maryknoll.org in Ken’s memory.

Services are entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West, 480 N. Resler Dr.