Michael A. Westerhausen, 50, of Phoenix, AZ passed away Saturday, September 3, 2022 after a long, and valiant battle with cancer.
Born June 17, 1972, Mike was the youngest of four children of Robert and Sharon Westerhausen. He grew up in Fort Wayne, IN, working in the family business; Papa Suzetti's restaurant. He graduated from Northrop High School in 1990. In 1997, Mike moved to Phoenix to help open an Outback restaurant franchise. He soon began working for Graybar Electric. While there, he completed his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Western International University.
In Phoenix, Mike met the love of his life, Ariel Forstner-Barthell. They married in a wonderful beachside ceremony in Cabo San Lucas in 2015. They enjoyed many adventures together over the years they shared, traveling to many places. Mike joined Ariel as a member of Church for the Nations in 2014. His faith was the foundation for his strength, which allowed him to pass so gracefully with her by his side.
Mike was known for his steadfast loyalty, intelligence, and sense of humor. He was never lacking in witty remarks or caring comments. Mike had memberships in competitive dart and billiards teams. In those, he won many championships; and made some of his closest friends. Along with his love for travel, he enjoyed snorkeling, games and movies, especially the Star Wars and Marvel Universe franchises. He found a new love for cats, stemming from Ariel's cats Boo and Marvin, and later with their new additions of Samuel and Jackson. His most notable passion was NFL football. He was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan.
He is survived by his loving wife, Ariel (Adrienne) Forstner-Barthell, his sisters and brothers-in-law, Pam and Tom Schmidtchen, Karen and Larry Dauscher, Holly and David Snyder, and his mother, Sharon Westerhausen.
Donations can be sent in his memory to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, or the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Hope Lodge, found on the ACS cancer.org web page.
Visitation will be Saturday, October 22nd, from 2-6 pm; and a Celebration of Life service will be Sunday, October 23rd, 2 pm; at FairHaven Funeral Home, 6557 N. Clinton St. Fort Wayne, IN.