Obituary of Gale Whitmer

Gale W. Whitmer "Doc" Age 80. of Crest Hill and formerly of Calumet City and Lansing passed away peacefully Saturday April 30, 2011 following a courageous battle with Leukemia. Gale was born on January 21, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Gale W. Whitmer and Loretta (nee Overheu) Whitmer Eklund. He was raised and educated in Barrington, Illinois, graduating from Barrington High School with the class of 1949. He attended DuBuque College prior to entering the US Navy. Gale served his Country during the Korean War. He was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Station and the San Diego Naval Hospital. After he was honorably discharged, Gale continued his studies at Illinois Wesleyan University where he met his future bride, Anita Rosinski. They were united in Marriage on May 1, 1955. After receiving a Bachelor degree from Illinois Wesleyan, he pursued and obtained a Masters degree from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. A fulfilling career as an Educator, primarily as Principal of Elementary and Junior High schools including Lincoln Junior High, Hoover-Schrumm Junior High, Whittier School and Kolmar School, Gale's passion was facilitating the faculty of the schools he led, with the tools needed to allow the student body to excel and achieve. Mr. Whitmer was also a community minded person who didn't shy away from getting involved. He was past Commander of the American Legion Post #330 in Calumet City and past President of the Past Commanders Club. He was also past President of the Kiwanis Club in Calumet City, demonstrating his comedic side and appreciation of the arts. Survivors include his beloved wife of 56 years, Anita of Crest Hill; daughter Cheryl (Peter) Matteucci of Lisle, son Gale W. (Linda) Whitmer III of Seneca, daughter Melanie (David) Fultz of Naperville. Grandchildren, Carol (Benjamyn) Johnson, P.J. Matteucci and Christina Matteucci: Anita (Brandon) Rowold, Nadine (Jason Olson) Whitmer and Claire Whitmer; Steven and Kathleen Fultz. Five great grandchildren. One brother, Robert (Virginia) Whitmer of South Elgin as well as several nieces and nephews also survive He was preceded in death by his parents. We will always remember Gale as a gentleman, patriot, educator, leader and volunteer, however, we are most grateful for being blessed with such a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle. Although we are saddened by the loss of our beloved Gale, we take comfort in knowing that the Leukemia and the harsh side effects of the disease are now behind him, and that as he lived life with dignity, honor and bravery; he faced death in the same manner. Funeral Services for "Doc" Whitmer will be Friday May 6, 2011 at 9:15 from the funeral home chapel to St. Ambrose Catholic Church for a Mass of Cristian Burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment Evergreen Cemetery in Barrington, Il. In lieu of flowers memorials to the Share Foundation, which provides residential living services and support programs for other-abled adults, P.O. Box 400; Rolling Prairie Indiana 46371 in his name would be appreciated. Visitation Thursday from 3-8 p.m. at FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rd., Joliet For information (815) 741-5500 View Memorial Presentation Memorial Presentations appear in a "pop-up" window for ease of printing. Should your browser have a "pop-up" blocker, you may need to turn it off in order to view. If you do not have high speed internet, it may not be possible to view the video.