Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
WESTHOFF, Gerald
WESTHOFF, Gerald. (Dubuque, IA, Apr. 9, 1945-- ). In 1976, Westhoff purchased his father's welding and fabrication business and opened Gerry's Welding and Fabrication, Inc. in New Vienna. The company was involved in the repair of agricultural equipment and the manufacture of hay feeders and bale thrower wagon boxes.
In 1996 his purchase of Heartland Manufacturing, then located in Dyersville, was completed. Heartland sold directly to Deere and Company and produced a corn stalk shredder, crop processor, and storage tube for extra twine and surface wrap.
Westhoff was a member of the New Vienna Economic Development Commission, held most of the offices as a member of the Iowa Blacksmith and Welders Association, and served on the New Vienna city council. In 1981 he was named Iowa's Blacksmith of the Year by the Iowa Blacksmith and Welders Association.