Janesville has a lot of people who humbly make a difference. Their grounded leadership deeply drives the trajectory of the community, and they dont seek a spotlight.
As construction begins this month on the new Childrens Museum of Rock County and the city gets set for the annual Janesville Town Square Gran Prix bicycle road race that will loop through downtown on June 19, were reminded of all that John Westphal has humbly given back to Janesville.
A Janesville native, John returned from attending UW-Madison, where he played Badger football, to lead Westphal & Co., the family business founded by his grandfather, for more than 40 years. He led Westphal & Co. at first in partnership with his brother and later as the sole owner.
John and his wife, Lynn, raised their family in Janesville. In 2024, their children, Maiken and Fritz, took over the business day-to-day operations, while John remains chairman of the board.
For all the ways that Westphal & Co. has contributed to the citys economy and to the broader business community, John has also demonstrated a tremendous, outsized volunteer commitment to Janesville.
He is currently the president of the board of directors for the Childrens Museum of Rock County. He didnt just bring the Tour of Americas Dairyland Gran Prix to Janesville in 2018; he is also actively engaged on race day, present each year from the early morning setup to the evening cleanup.
Last year, he and Lynn donated to the downtown area a 12-foot sculpture made of bicycle parts, depicting a bicyclist taking a selfie with his bicycle.
He has served on the Janesville City Council, was a founder and race director for the Janesville Morning Rotary Pie Ride, has served on the board of Forward Janesville, and has been president of the YMCA of Northern Rock County.
He was a founding board member for the Janesville Performing Arts Center, has served on the board of directors for First Lutheran Church in Janesville and he remains a state director for the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association, representing NECA Local #159 union workers in south-central Wisconsin.
Amid all this, John has also given back in countless ways to his college alma mater, including serving as president of UW-Madisons W Club.
Some people cheer on the city; John digs in and does. Were all better for his involvement. If you see John, tell him thank you.