Margaret K. Whitman
MARQUETTE, MI – 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, Fiance)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.