Leland Earl Whitman, age 78, of Sheboygan Falls,
received the ultimate reward of his unwavering faith in his Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ, early Thursday morning (July 5, 2018) at the Waterford in
Plymouth after a courageous 9 year battle with Alzheimer’s.
He was born on October 17, 1939 in Sacaton, AZ,
son of the late Milford and Margaret (Watson)
Whitman. Leland attended Franklin Elementary and
Grace Court Elementary in Phoenix and graduated from Phoenix Union High School
in 1956.
His first job was as a paperboy, riding on a
Black Schwinn bike his father bought for him. In his teens he worked at Jack’s
Market, Frontier Potato Chip Company, and a doughnut shop where he brought home
chocolate covered doughnuts for his family. He was later employed at the YMCA
in Arizona working with the kids of Grey Y which he very much enjoyed. At a
youth retreat in the mountains, Leland first heard the song, “Let There Be
Peace On Earth” and it remained one of Leland’s favorites.
Leland attended Arizona State University for one
year before joining the United States Marine Corps. He served in the Marines
from 1957-1961, trained at Camp Pendleton, CA, and was stationed in Okinawa,
Japan. He was very proud of his military record. Following his service, Leland
moved to Wisconsin where he worked at Kohler Company for over 25 years,
starting as a draftsman and finishing his career as an enamelware inspector.
He married Karen Ann Willadsen on November 24,
1962. She preceded him in death in 1968. On July 11, 1970, he married Carol Ann
Bigler at Sheboygan Falls Faith United Methodist Church, where he later served
as a lay minister. Leland enjoyed golfing, bowling, mowing the lawn, and hiking
in the Kettles. He also loved anything that had to do with music. He played guitar
and sang at many events, including weddings, throughout his life. Many remember
Leland for his role as “Psalty, the Singing Songbook”, a children’s Christian
musical.
His greatest joy was his family – making
memories with his cherished wife, Carol, and his children. Especially dear to
his heart were his grandchildren who always lit up his smile.
Survivors include Wife, Carol of Sheboygan
Falls; Three children: Denise (Paul) Arpke of Sheboygan Falls, Laura (Russ)
Otten of Sheboygan, and Eric (Angela) Whitman of Flower Mound, TX; Six
grandchildren: Alex Arpke, Heather Arpke, Cade Whitman, Elizabeth Whitman,
Aaron Whitman, and Phoenix Otten; Two sisters: Carol (Michael) Horton of
Gilbert, AZ and Merle Whitman of Phoenix, AZ; Four brothers-in-law: Lonny (Carol)
Bigler of Wild Rose, WI, Jon Bigler of Waldo, Tom (Darlene) Bigler and Ricky
(Nancy) Bigler, both of Sheboygan Falls; and Best friend & Marine buddy:
Robert (Gloria) De Groff of Sheboygan Falls. He is also survived by many
nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Leland was preceded in death by
His parents; Wife, Karen; Infant daughter, Amy; Siblings; Carol, Betty and
Karen.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday (July
11, 2018) at 12:00 Noon at the Suchon Funeral Home in Plymouth. Pastor Andy
Shanholtz will officiate. Burial will be in the Sheboygan Falls Cemetery.
Visitation will take place at the Suchon Funeral Home on Wednesday (July 11)
from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services. The Plymouth VFW World Cheese
Center Post
#5612 will conduct military rites following the
services.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being
established in Leland’s name. The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services of
Plymouth is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit
www.suchonfh.com
.
The family thanks the staff at the Waterford
East and the Sharon S. Richardson Hospice for their care of Leland.
