Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Whitaker, John R. Jr age 52, of Eden Prairie, MN, died suddenly on April 18, 2007 while golfing, one of his great joys. Survived by adoring wife, Deborah; sons, Adam Seidel and John III; mother, Ann; sister, Cathy Van Velzen and in-laws, Shirley and John, King and Diane and Richard. Preceded in death by John, Sr. and Jay Van Velzen. A graduate of Iowa State and fun- loving member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Dedicated to his career as int'l sales manager for SICO Inc., John was highly respected in his profession. An incredibly devoted dad, John shared his passion for golf and baseball with his boys. He was loved by his family and brought joy to all who knew him. John will be remembered for his zeal for life, handsome smile and contagious laugh. Celebration of Life, Tuesday, April 24, 2007 at 2:30 PM, Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave. S., Mpls, MN (612- 926-7651). Gathering of family & friends, Monday 4-7 PM, Huber Funeral Home, 16394 Glory Lane, Eden Prairie, MN (1/2 Miles S. of Hwy. 5 on Eden Prairie Rd.) Private interment. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the family for future designation. Huber Funeral & Cremation Services The Eden Prairie Chapel 952-949-4970
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
I worked for John for a short time at Sico. He was a wonderful, generous, kind and funny man. I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Michelle Nanstad
July 30, 2007 | Mounds View
Whitaker Family,
My prayers and thoughts go out to the Whitaker Family. I will truly miss a great vendor as well as a good friend. I will be thinking about you my friend when i am at IHLA golf outing this year (John and I were going to golf in this together for the first time this year).
Scott Yachinich
July 12, 2007 | Aurora, IL
John was a friend of both my husband and myself from Jr High and High School in Des Moines. When he moved to Minnesota, we were only about 3 miles from each. We will miss his wonderful, warming smile and his laugh! Prayers will continue for Deborah and the boys for strength when they have a bad day! God Bless!
Sharon and David Gatto
May 07, 2007 | Chanhassen, MN
A tragic loss of a great friend and brother. My heart goes out to Deborah and the boys.
Steve, Rob and Nick Rasmussen
Steve Rasmussen
April 28, 2007 | Scottsdale, AZ
To the entire Whitaker Family,I send my prayers,and sympathy.I too,grew up on Des Moines south side,and went to Whitakers all my life,as did my parents.As,we the Lincoln Class of 1973 plan our 35th reunion,we are saddened by the loss of our classmate,and friend.
Deb Swanson-Dresback
April 26, 2007 | Des Moines, IA
I had the pleasure of sharing a trade show stand with John in Dubai last year and my overwhelming memory was of laughing...a lot!
John had a very warm and generous nature and was very well regarded throughout our industry.
Graham Dimond
April 25, 2007 | Dubai
Deborah, Adam & John Ross -
We are so shocked and saddened by John's death. We have thought of little else since we got the news. John was such a wonderful husband and father and such an optimistic and humble person. You can be so proud of the way that you have lived and loved together as a family. We know you will miss John greatly but hope that you will gain strength knowing that the short time you had together was lived so well.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Mike, Terese, Laura & Caitlin McCabe
April 24, 2007
When one thinks about the qualities that make up the perfect role model, he thinks of a person who shares all of what John was. Be it as a professional, a teacher, or a friend, he ran the gamut with his sincerity, passion, and attitude. The best teachers are those who lead by example, and John was a true pro! I can only imagine with his influence, that you two boys are well on your way to becoming 'true gentlemen' as well.
Jeremy Limoges
April 24, 2007 | Shakopee, MN
Dear Deborah and Family :
A sudden loss of a dear friend and highly respected business partner creates a large empty space which day by day is filled up by memories. John, I just hear your laughter last time we met in New York !
Rest in peace.
Juergen H Beier
April 24, 2007 | Mexico City
