"Carol, I remember your mother so well from my time at MGH. She was always friendly and smiling. I know you all miss her so much. I was planning to attend the funeral but we are still in Arizona as Dick is recovering from Surgery, "
In loving memory of
MARGARET K. WHITMAN
April 19, 1925 - February 15, 2021
Margaret Katherine Whitman, age 95 was born in Gladstone, Michigan on April 19, 1925. Her parents were Isabelle and Carl Schenk. She was a graduate of All Saints Catholic School, Gladstone High School (1943), and Northern Michigan University (1947).
A retired teacher, she spent 25 years in several school systems including Gladstone, Munising and Marquette Senior High School where she taught Freshman English for 17 years. In other systems, she also taught third and fourth grade, sixth grade and high school World History. In addition, she ran the Munising and Public School Library from 1965-66.
She was a member of the Vocation Club of St. Michael's Church, and its altar society. She served as a Greeter at Mass and was a former Eucharistic Minister at Marquette General Hospital. In addition, she was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter D.U.; a former member of the Marquette Golf Club, NMU University Women, The NMU Alumni Association, The Golden Wildcat Club, Marquette General Hospital Auxiliary, and she served as a volunteer in the Mail Room for 27 years. She was a member of Fortnightly Study Club, serving as its president for many years. She was also a member of the Bridge Club, The Marquette Retired Teachers Association and the "Coffee Group." She volunteered for the former Community Concert Association and assisted the Pine Mountain Music festival hosting many musicians in her lovely home.
Margaret had a kind soul, was a good friend and mentor to many over the years. She would often invite others to join her for holidays because she never wanted anyone to be alone. She was an avid supporter of the arts and athletics in the community, M.S.H.S. and N.M.U.
Her loving husband Stanley preceded her in death in May of 1993. Four daughters, ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren survive her: Peggy (Kevin) Molter of Hudson, MI; Denise (Joe) Huss of Marquette, MI, Kristine (Dan) Bender of Brighton, MI, Carol (Roger) Johnson of Marquette, MI. Sister-in-law Lois Schenk of Menominee, MI and niece Jodie Schenk and nephew Tom Schenk. Her "5th" daughter, Diane Ungrodt of Alanson, MI.
She is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Robert (Erin) Molter Waterford, MI; Megan (Josh) Smithburg of Charlevoix, MI; Tom (Christa) Molter of Kalamazoo, MI; Tyler (Dr. Cherie Netzloff) Huss of Saline, MI; Adam (McKayla Beam, Fiancée)Huss of Royal Oak, MI and Spencer Huss of Marquette, Max Bender of Chicago, IL; Karly Bender of Brighton, MI; Dr. Lucy Johnson (Eau Claire, WI) and Ben Johnson (Katy, TX). Seven great-grandchildren: Isabella Molter, Logan, Eli and Orion Smithburg, Charlotte, Flynn and Harrison Molter.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 24th at 12 Noon in St. Michael Catholic Church with the Rev. Greg Heikkala officiating. Burial will take place in the Park Cemetery. The Whitman family will greet relatives and friends beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on April 24th. Margaret's Funeral Mass will also be live streamed at https://my.gather.app/remember/margaret-whitman
Special thanks to the caring staff at Mill Creek Assisted Living where she resided for the past few years and received exceptional care.
Memorials may be made to St. Michael Church, the Northern Michigan University Foundation-Stan & Margaret Whitman Memorial Student Scholarship or Marquette, Gladstone or Munising School Systems or any organization that benefits students.
Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the Whitman family where memories of Margaret may be shared at canalefuneral.com.
Tributes
"To the Family of Margaret, Heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend. Keeping all of you in prayer as you celebrate her life and mourn her loss. Remembering Margaret today on her birthday, how welcoming and friendly, what a smile and twinkle in her eye, a lover of chocolate and a dear friend. May she rest in peace. Jane Milkie "
"Hi Peggy, Denise, Kris and Carol: So sorry to hear about your loss. My mom, Barbara, and sister, Allison, and I and my wife, Alena, send our deepest condolences and prayers. We were all fortunate to have your mom in our lives. I had your mom for an English class at MSHS! And of course who can forget Barb, your mom, my dad, Keith, and Stan the Man in Munising, making the Mustangs into football and basketball powers and before their arrival in Marquette! Fond memories of our families gathering over the years in Marquette. Blessing, grace and God\'s peace. Dave Forsberg, Lansing."
"To Kris, Carol, Denise and Peggy; I will always remember your Mom from my Freshman year English class at MSHS. She signed my Tatler ?to my reader in English class?. I was so pleased to have that title and so happy to have pleased her. She was that kind of teacher, she encouraged everyone to do their best, especially when they didn?t know what their best was. She was a lovely lady, full of kindness, strength and passion about life and her students. I am blessed to have known her. My heart goes out to all of you and your families. I know how much you will miss her."
"Margaret was a colleague of mine for many years while at Marquette Senior High School. During the first several years of my employment, people would ask if I was one of her daughters; always made me smile. Margaret was very devoted to her students, a dedicated and conscientious teacher, one not reluctant to voice her opinion when inspired. She was a kind, caring and thoughtful person, loved to join functions and be included even after her retirement. I always enjoyed seeing and talking with Margaret. She made a point to attend many NMU sports events in her later years, especially when a grandchild would be playing, where I would sit around her in the basketball stands when she was still able to attend games. She lived a long and spirited life. Her children adored, loved and enjoyed her. I will miss Margaret. ~ Paula McCormick"
"Mrs.Whitman was such a Wonderful teacher and person. You will be greatly missed"
"Carol, Peggy and family, Margaret and Stan were such good people, i am confident they are resting in full peace and harmony. Elaine and I were about 20 years younger than they were; and they helped us feel comfortable at the University events in early 70?s. Each in their own way and over a significant period of time showed their graciousness and love of people. May all family members find peace, strength and healing. They were very proud of each of you. Elaine and Andy Wasilewski"
"Dear Peggy, Denise, Kris and Carol: I was saddened to learn of your mother\'s passing. I, along with so many others, was blessed to have her as my English teacher. She had an expression I have never forgotten, and have recited to others several times over the years: \"Good, better, best. Never let it rest, til your good is better and your better is best!\" She was the BEST!! "
"My cousins. So sorry to hear of Marg?s passing. I just found out or I would have reached out sooner. Marg and Stan were tremendous people and will be missed by all that knew them. It was nice to see Marg at Mill Creek playing bingo with my Mom. "
"Peggy, Denise, Kris and Carol: I am very grateful for the years Margaret lived across the street from me. Her kindness and endless love for our neighborhood was a blessing to all. I am rejoicing in her new life with Jesus whom she loved. I hope you find comfort in that. I am very sorry for your loss. "
"So sorry to hear about your mom passing. She was a lovely lady and was so fortunate to be surrounded by so much love. Suzanne Coyne"
"I loved your Mom. When I was on the receiving end of one of her smiles my heart was full. Thank you for sharing her. My sympathies and prayers for all of you. "
"Peggy, Denise, Kris and Carol...so sorry for the loss of your Mom. What a wonderful lady!! Always enjoyed visiting with her over the years. Prayers for all of you and your families. Jan LaValley"
"Margaret was a Lady of Extreme Integrity, Kind Hearted, Giving, Intelligent, and Beautiful Inside and Out. I am Thankful to have Known Her, Stan, All four Wonderful Daughters, especially Denise, and Lucky enough to have become part of Her Family. She was and Always will be My Second Mom. God Bless You Always, Dee"
"So sad to hear about your mom. She was the best English teacher in high school. She had a knack of grabbing your attention and keeping it. God Love Her! May she rest in everlasting peace. ??"
"We all have special memories of Margaret or \"Mrs. Whitman\" while attending Marquette Senior High School. However, her greatest legacy will always be raising four wonderful, successful daughters who all went on to become role models for coming generations."
"To the family of Mrs. Whitman....so sad to read about your Mom.....you all were so lucky to have her for so long! Such a kind and sweet lady....she raised wonderful daughters......our thoughts and prayers are with you all.....time heals the pain! ??"
"Mrs. Whitman was a truly spectacular human being. She was a wonderful mother & wife, an unforgettable teacher and a devout Christian. The world will be less without her."
"Mrs. Whitman was my favorite teacher in high school. I will never forget her and the kindness she expressed to me. Billie (Mackert) Haglund "
"Mrs. Whitman was my favorite teacher in high school. I will never forget her and the kindness she expressed to me. Billie (Mackert) Haglund "
"My dear Margaret - what a gem! I loved working with her at MGH and in the Heart Club, which both she and Stan were members. God Bless you and your family. Julie Higbie, RN PHD"