MASCOUTAH, IL (FORMERLY OF RACINE) – With our deepest sorrow, we announce the passing of our son, Alex Robert Westman; formerly of Racine, during his 26th year, in a motor vehicle accident. The collision, caused by the other driver crossing a center line, occurred in Mascoutah, Illinois, where Alex had begun residing.

Alex's journey on Earth began in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He took to the road early at two years of age and moved with his parents and older sister to Racine, Wisconsin, where he spent most of his childhood. He attended The Prairie School for sixteen years, from before kindergarten, until his graduation in 2017. Alex was always active; with model airplanes, soccer, and it seemed all things young boys do. Participating in Little Ninjas at an early age sparked his affinity for self-discipline and personal fitness. He went on to achieve full black-belt status in Tae-Kwon-Do. He enjoyed playing middle and high-school basketball as well as summer-leagues. He never stopped moving; as he mountain biked, road biked, ran, even conquered occasional triathlons. Family travel and vacations would usually center around physical activity between automobile rides. Alex also developed into a wonderful chess player, and he was a steadfast companion. Through all that, Alex's main interest was baseball.

Alex discovered baseball when he was nine years old and in the fourth grade. He loved to play, and baseball is where Alex blossomed – and dreamed. He went to college to play baseball, starting at Quincy University in Illinois, and finishing at Dallas Christian College in Texas where he earned a bachelor's degree in business. But Alex would never be done with baseball. He continued to pursue his passion and played four seasons in the Pecos Independent Professional League, traveling to cities primarily in the American southwest. Alex was determined that 2025 would be his fifth season. During off-seasons he worked to support himself – especially enjoying teaching baseball to young teams and giving private lessons; all the while he visited friends and family, and he relentlessly trained.

Along Alex's journey, we proudly watched his outgoing spirit naturally inspire us and so many others to be active, eat healthier, be healthier. Alex gave much of himself and was always willing to sacrifice. He would be the first to volunteer and offer help, whether it be a family member, friend, teammate, or complete stranger. Alex will be dearly missed. His legacy is filled with love, compassion, joy, determination, and passion. He left an indelible mark in the hearts of those of us fortunate enough to know him. Alex's dry sense of humor and impervious spirit will be remembered forever, and he will continue to inspire all those he touched.

Miranda Rodriguez was Alex's beacon of strength and support. They met at Quincy University. Being athletics oriented herself, Miranda and Alex created fond memories during their travels with and to each other during their adventure into adulthood. Her patience and acceptance of a traveling schedule was extraordinary. Their acceptance of each other's schedules was amazing.

Closest surviving family members include parents Michael Robert Westman and Cynthia Marie Westman, siblings Victoria Marie and Erik Michael Westman, Grandparents Nancy Westman, Gerald and Charlotte Lindquist, Aunts Jayne (Michael) Gasperi and Susan (Ernie) Fraijo, Uncle Mark (Laura) Lindquist, and Girlfriend Miranda Rodriguez. Alex was preceded in death by Grandfather David Robert Westman.

Family, friends, and all others who feel compelled to celebrate Alex's life are invited to the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Friday, October 25, 2024, for visitation from 3 to 6 p.m., and a service from 6 to 7 p.m.. The celebration will continue with food, drink, and storytelling immediately afterward at The Maple Table restaurant, in Racine. A live-stream video of the service will be available by contacting the Funeral Home at DragerLangendorf.com

Donations in Alex's honor will be used to support an organization that promotes motorcycle awareness and safety for the families of young riders, and to support youth sports which brought so much joy to Alex. We love you Alex. You will forever be in our hearts.

Service Details

Family and friends are invited to the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Friday, OCTOBER 25, 2024 for visitation 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., and then a service remembering and celebrating his life will begin at 6:00 p.m.

Those wishing to watch the service via livestream, you may click on this link at 6:00 pm. https://youtube.com/live/uKCUFRCMfG4?feature=share

• Due to music licensing laws you may hear periods of silence when music is played during the service.

Memorial Suggestions

Donations in Alex's honor will be used to support an organization that promotes motorcycle awareness and safety for the families of young riders, and youth sports which brought so much joy to Alex. We love you Alex. You will forever be in our hearts.

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