Raymond Whitman, 87

Raymond “Shorty” Whitman, 87, died Monday, February 18, 2013 at Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria.

Ray was born January 7, 1926 in Alexandria, the son of Bruce and Esther (Dixion) Whitman. He attended school through the 8th grade and then worked for different farmers in the area before being drafted into the United States Army. Ray proudly served his country during World War II in the Philippines and was honorably discharged on November 26, 1946.

Upon returning to Alexandria, Ray worked for Ed Thompson at his gas station. It was during this time that he met and married Darlene Simonson on September 27, 1952 at Chippewa Falls Lutheran Church in Terrace. To this union, six children were born.

In 1958, Shorty started working as sexton at Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria and in 1963 was employed also by Alexandria Extrusion. He worked both jobs for several years and took great pride in his work. In 2006, Ray started working for ProTainer and retired in 2011.

The Whitmans enjoyed traveling, especially their trips to Hawaii, Germany, Branson, Missouri, and California.

Raymond will be remembered as a gentle man who had a deep faith in God. He loved his family and enjoyed the time spent with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and going to their different activities. He also treasured the friendships he made and really appreciated the new friends he met at Bethany Adult Day Program.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Darlene; children, Tonya and Irvan Pazdernik of Alexandria, David and Betty Whitman of Kensington, Marsha and Sam Greeley of Hoffman, Vickie and Shane Schmidt of Alexandria, Lana and Fred Krafthefer of Farwell; 16 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and sister, Louise Johnson of Olivia.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Barbara Lock; parents; and brother, Leland.

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 22 at 11 a.m. at Living Waters Church in Alexandria with the Rev. Sammy McKay officiating. Pallbearers are Irvan Pazdernik, Ivan Pazdernik, David Whitman, Sam Greeley, Shane Schmidt and Fred Krafthefer. Military honors will be by American Legion Post 87 and VFW Post 936, Minnesota National Guard Funeral Honors and his grandson, Lt. Col. Michael Pazdernik.

Burial will be at Kinkead Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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