Ursula "Toots" Whiting

1923 - 2017

Whiting, Ursula "Toots"

rsula "Toots" (Ziesmer) Whiting, 94, passed away Mon. Nov 13, 2017. She was born Nov. 5, 1923 on the family farm North of Lena to Ralph and LuLu (LaPlante) Ziesmer. She attended Sunnybrook grade school and graduated from Lena High School in 1941. After high school, she worked various jobs before entering college in 1943. She graduated from Andrews University in Berrien Springs Michigan in 1947 with a B.S. in Chemistry. She returned to school and earned B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1955 and went on to earn a M.S. in Guidance in 1969. Ursula retired from teaching in 1986 having taught 35 1/2 years in both grade and high school and enjoyed it immensely.

In 1971, she was one of only 30 guidance counselors in the State of Wisconsin to be selected by the State Department of Education to visit West Point Military Academy to become acquainted with requirements for entrance into one of the national military academies.

On August 26, 1947, "Toots" was united in marriage to Lionel Whiting at Lena Seventh-Day Adventist Church. They celebrated 58 years together until he preceded her in death in on Dec 22, 2005. Toots was an active member of the church until the time of her passing. She played piano and organ until she was 88 and also taught children's or adult Sabbath School classes until age 86.

Her family was always one of her greatest joys. She especially appreciated her grandchildren and great grandchildren and had a long retirement to enjoy their company. A family tradition was a dinner at their home following Sabbath services at church. Those who could were always welcome to grandma's and grandpa's house to get caught up on the events of the week. The group would range from six to 26.

Ursula resided at her home near Oconto since 1950. One of the joys of living in the country was watching the beautiful sunsets and birds in the area and the company of the friends and neighbors she had. If you asked Ursula what she enjoyed most, she would say "Life". She took time each day to thank God for it and for her family and friends. Her lifetime was truly a great time to be alive.

Ursula is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Wayne (Patti), Oconto, Lonnie (Linda), Green Bay, Ric (Kim) Sobieski; her twin daughters and their spouses, Cheryl (Ron) Buechler, Crivitz, Cindy (Brian) LaBarge, Pound; Besides her children, she is further survived by eight grandson and their spouses, Shane (Sarah) Whiting, Oconto, Joshua (Gina) Whiting, Green Bay, Jesse (Amanda) Jones, Florida, Justin Jones, Coleman, Seth (Lisa) LaBarge, Sobieski, Jordan LaBarge, Coleman, Nathan and Nicholas Whiting, Sobieski; great grandchildren, Clayton and Taylor Whiting, Oconto, Alister Jones, Coleman, Jefferson and Caroline Jones, Florida; a sister, Rachel Carriveau, Lena, brother, Marvin "Bob" ( Linda) Ziesmer, Lena; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Ursula was preceded in death by her husband Lionel, her parents, a sister-in-law, Dorothy Ziesmer and a brother-in-law, Denny Carriveau.

Friends may call at Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home, 438 West Main Street, Lena, on Friday Nov 17, 2017 from 9:30 until 11:30 a.m. A Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home on Friday at 11:30 a.m. with the Rev. Rick Binford officiating. Burial will be in the Lena Cemetery.

In lieu, of flowers, a memorial has been established in her name. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rhodescharapata.com

Ursula ran across a poem that she wished to have people remember her by.

When I come to the end of my journey and I travel my last weary mile just forget, if you can, that I ever frowned and remember only the smile. Forget unkind words I have spoken; remember some good that I have done. Forget that I ever had heartache and remember I've had loads of fun. Forget that I have stumbled and blundered and sometime fell by the way. Remember that I have fought some hard battles and won at the close of the day. Then forget to grieve for my going. I would not have you sad for a day, but in summer just gather some flowers and remember the place that I lay, and come in the shade of evening when the sun paints the sky in the West. Stand for a few moments beside me and remember only my best. Mrs. Lyman Hancock