May God bless you and your...
What a great teacher and chef, I have fond memories of being his pupil, he always took the time to mentor. A true gentleman and scholar.
Flannery (Cook) Crittendon
August 15, 2025 | School
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Mar 30, 1956 – Jul 16, 2025
Michael Whitman passed into peace July 16th, 2025. He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Dianne; children, Scott, Nick, Jackson, Jordan; brother, Mark; sister, Melissa; grandchildren, Mason, Cash, Dylan; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. Michael was born in California,...
Read MoreWhat a great teacher and chef, I have fond memories of being his pupil, he always took the time to mentor. A true gentleman and scholar.
Flannery (Cook) Crittendon
August 15, 2025 | School
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Chef Michael Whitman, a valued colleague and dear friend to so many at the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education. I had the privilege of working alongside Chef Whitman from 2016 until his retirement. In that time, I came to know him as others so often described him-full of knowledge, generous with his expertise, and unwavering in his dedication to students. As our key liaison for the American Culinary Federation, Chef Whitman represented the best...
Werner Absenger, PhD, MS
August 15, 2025 | Work
So sad to hear this news. He was always a bright spot in my day when I got to see Chef at GRCC. My sympathies to his family and prayers are with you.
Kaye McCarty
August 14, 2025
Prayers to Family and friends. GRCC is where I met Chef Mike. I samples many of his dishes. R.I.P. God Bless
Dan & Dena Scribner
August 12, 2025 | Work
I was a colleague of Mike at GRCC, and he was a valued and appreciated member of our culinary staff. He was a positive mentor for his students, and a contributing member to our department. He will be greatly missed by me, and countless others. RIP Mike, and blessings to his dear family.
Robert Garlough
August 12, 2025 | Work
Mikie was a dear close friend of ours. We always referred to his as "the good neighbor". When he was creating a new recipe for a local restaurant, he would call us up to be his guinea pigs and of course we always gave him a 5 star rating. Diane would complete the meal and evening with a special dessert. Many fond memories and he will be deeply missed. RIP our friend. Love always!
Rick and Jan Brown
August 11, 2025
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Dan & Dena Scribner
August 10, 2025 | Work
I was a culinary student at GRCC Secchia and he taught me a lot and was a funny guy. Made students want to actually engage in class. I'll be thinking of the family.
Chloe Hoekstra (Perham)
August 10, 2025 | School
Thank you for being a great mentor. Your humor and great smile always lit up the class. You showed that you cared greatly about your students and you will live on inside each of us. Rest peacefully
TB
August 10, 2025 | School