Terry Lee Whitman

Terry Whitman TRAVERSE CITY – Terry Whitman, age 68, of Traverse City, passed away on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at the Munson Hospice House in the loving care of his family. Terry was born to Martin Franklin Sr. and Maxine Frieda (Fidoe) Whitman, in Salem, OH on November 4, 1950. Terry grew up in Salem where it was there he graduated from high school. Upon graduation, Terry enrolled at Kent State University where he received his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Terry went to work for General Motors Corporation while attending college. He became a Senior Mechanical Engineer in his almost 40 years of service. Terry met Jane (Haessly) Whitman while the two were in high school, and together they were married in 1972. While Terry was working for GM, it allowed Terry and Jane to live in various regions across the United States. Together they enjoyed traveling with their family, always finding themselves near water wherever they went, especially their trip to Hawaii, which was one of their most memorable. Terry loved spending time with his family, camping, fishing, and being around those he loved most. Terry was always putting others before himself; he was dependable, reliable, and always wanted to make others comfortable. He was always trying to lighten the mood, and make others laugh, even in his final days. He had a great attitude and outlook on life, as he was always “almost perfect”. Terry is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jane Whitman, children; Michael J. (Katharine) Whitman, and Crystal M. (R. Brian) Rogers, grandchild Olivia Juliette Whitman, step-grandchild, Riley Grace Renner, siblings; Martin “Pete” Jr. (Debbie) Whitman, Blair (Mary Lou) Whitman, and Walter Whitman, nieces and nephews; Heather (Thomas) Edwards, Kimberly (Joe) Colian, Mary Ann (Whitman) Barber, Danny Whitman, Megan (Andrew) Gupko, Katie (Kevin) Penley, Alexandra Haessly-Fussell, Tara Haessly-Fussell, and Jonathan Clark. Great-nieces and nephews; Colton and Carter Edwards, Morgan and Chase Colian, Dakota, Madison, and Ty Barber, Chaitanya Whitman, Alexander, Micah, Charlotte Gupko, Rowan Penley. Terry’s in-laws; Anita Haessly, Linda Armstrong, Kathy (John) Wade, Mary (David) Driver, Kristi, Shelly and Nathan (Elizabeth) Wade, Brooke and Josh (Ashley) Driver, Caroline Haessly, Paul Fussell, and a number of great-nieces and nephews. A memorial service honoring Terry will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 17, 2019 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with a visitation beginning at 10:30 am. Spiritual leader Kathy Steen will officiate. Memorial contributions may be directed to, The Salvation Army Traverse City, 1239 Barlow Street, Traverse City, MI 49686.

Terry Lee Whitman

November 4, 1950 - January 10, 2019