Robert F. Whitaker

Born October 17, 1944, in LaPorte, Indiana, the son of Lloyd and Berniece Whitaker and lived in many states as he grew up. His father was transferred many times as a computer representative for the Burroughs Corporation. Robert graduated from East Lansing High School in 1962, then from Lansing Community College and transferring to Michigan State University where he was a geography major. On June 24, 1967, Bob married Linda Lou Hill in East Lansing, Michigan. Bob then worked in the Detroit area for Republic Insurance Company. After the Detroit riot, Bob and Linda moved to Marquette to get back to his beloved U.P. and take on a new job as a claim representative for the Travelers Insurance Company. Bob was able to travel the U.S. as his duties consisted of being a storm trooper traveling to severe storm areas to help people with their losses. After a period of about six years Travelers closed the Marquette office, wanting to transfer Bob to Duluth, Minnesota. However, Bob left Travelers and joined a local insurance agency, Peters, Larson, Raikko, now known as VAST. In his time in Marquette, Bob joined many organizations and was in the Hiawathaland Snowmobile Club, Harvey Lions Club, West Branch Sportsman’s Club, and was an instructor for the DNR in their Hunter Safety Program, and as a volunteer for the Pocket Park and at the U.P. State Fair. Bob was also one of the organizers of the Marquette Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue Team, working with the then K.I. Sawyer AFB in the Gwinn area.

Bob is survived by his children, Jason (Lori) Whitaker of Harvey, and Amanda Whitaker of West Branch Township; six grandchildren, Trever Romback, Alyssa, Hunter, and Shelby Whitaker, Chloe Poquette and Carver Poquette; his brothers-in-law, Ben Sturges of Clinton Township and Gary Tice of Mason; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 51 years, Linda Lou Whitaker; sisters-in-law, Grace Sturges and Peggy Tice.

Bob is very thankful of his many friends he made over the years and how they inspired him. He wishes them the very best. Also, Bob is thankful for Drummond Island, Michigan, where he grew up in the summers and still has many cousins living there. Drummond is a place of wilderness and beauty and will remain in Bob’s heart forever.

Honoring Bob’s request, cremation has taken place and his cremains will be placed by his wife and sister-in-law, with a private family gathering on Drummond Island. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the West Branch Sportsmens Club, 1888 Engman Lake Road, Skandia, MI 49885.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com