Discover the charm within heartfelt family stories, shared experiences and adventures as we offer a glimpse into the lives of our featured families family story. Through captivating visuals and authentic narratives, our goal is to immerse you in the love, resilience, and pure joy that defines family life at Westfield Living.
For Jason and Lisa Hemmerling, family, faith, and adventure go hand in hand. Longtime Westfield residents, they’ve built a life centered on strong values, shared experiences, and giving back to their community. Along with their three children—Alex (22), Will (20), and Lucy (17)—and their energetic three year old golden retriever, Kolbe, the Hemmerlings have created a home where laughter, service, and a love for the outdoors thrive.
Jason and Lisa’s journey together began at Ball State University, where they met in 1996 and married in 1999.
Over the years, they’ve embraced a life full of exploration, from family trips across the country to quiet evenings playing board games and working on puzzles. “Some of our best memories come from our travels,” Lisa shares. “We’ve been fortunate to see so many beautiful places and experience them together.”
Their children share that same adventurous spirit. Alex, a big Notre Dame fan, stays busy working at Saint Joseph Retreat and Conference Center, cantoring at Mass, perfecting his artwork, writing stories, and volunteering at Saint Maria Goretti alongside his father. Will, a student athlete at Marian University, is a business major and dedicated rugby player. He’s an avid snow skier and loves water sports, football, rugby, and Notre Dame football. Lucy, a junior at Westfield High School, is a lacrosse player who enjoys snow skiing, water sports, singing in the church choir and Notre Dame football.
Faith is the cornerstone of the Hemmerlings’ lives. Members of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church since 1999, the family has devoted countless hours to serving their parish. Jason, who teaches Construction Trades at Westfield High School and is a Realtor for Berkshire Hathaway, also coordinates the Confirmation Formation program, guiding young parishioners in their faith journeys. Lisa, who once taught elementary school, now works part-time at St. Joseph’s Retreat and Conference Center, where she found a meaningful role in Hospitality after volunteering there.
Their faith has carried them through both joyous and challenging times—including Jason’s battle with colon cancer. In 2023, Jason’s diagnosis changed the family’s perspective on life. Thanks to early detection and the dedicated care of Dr. Samer Kawak and the team at Riverview Health, he successfully recovered. “The experience reminded us of the importance of gratitude and faith,” Jason shares. “I am forever thankful for the care I received at Riverview that gave me a second chance at life. They are like family.”
Beyond their faith and careers, the Hemmerlings are passionate about enjoying the simple joys of life—bike rides, weekends with family at the lake in Michigan, and their annual spring break trips to Marco Island to visit Lisa’s parents. Their love for adventure and time with family has taken them to Disney World, national parks across the country, and even a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Germany and Austria to celebrate Jason’s victory over cancer and their 25th wedding anniversary. “It was a trip we will always cherish,” Lisa says. “A reminder to embrace every moment you have with those you love and to be grateful for the time you have together.”
Lisa continued, “After hearing the words ‘stage 3 colon cancer’, it changes your mindset and priorities. Each day is a gift. Savor your time together. You don’t know what each day holds for you. We didn’t wake up on February 28th, 2023, thinking Jason had cancer. But we fell asleep that night in the hospital after his emergency surgery, holding on to hope.” On day one, Jason said, “We will find the blessings in this journey.” It has not been easy, but when they looked for them, they found them.
Jason and Lisa instill in their children the importance of seeing the good in every situation. Their family motto, “Be the light of Christ to all those you encounter,” is more than just words—it’s a guiding principle. Lisa’s daily encouragement of “Be the Light” to her children has become a lasting message they carry into the world. “We believe in looking for the good in every situation,” Jason adds. “If you focus on the positive, you’ll always find something to be grateful for.”
The Hemmerlings are also avid Notre Dame football fans and love spending time outdoors. Whether hiking at state parks, riding bikes, skiing, sitting on their deck around the fire talking, or simply watching the sunset. At home, they enjoy playing board games, dominoes, working on puzzles, or walks with Kolbe, their three-year-old golden retriever, who is a constant source of energy and joy.
The Hemmerlings’ story is one of faith, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to making the most of life’s moments. Whether they’re volunteering at church, cheering on Notre Dame football, or simply enjoying time together, they embody the spirit of community and gratitude. If you see them around town—maybe out biking, hiking, or walking Kolbe—be sure to say hello. They’d love to share a smile and a story.
At Westfield Living, we aspire to become the foremost hub for a varied collection of family stories and experiences that go beyond boundaries, cultures, and expectations. Our goal is to create a digital space where our community is not merely recognized but embraced, and where connection serves as a driving force for positive transformation.
Westfield Living’s mission is to bring people together through a positive, relevant and family-friendly monthly magazine, deliver excellence in every aspect, and exceed expectations for our vibrant and inclusive community.
