George Whitmer Jr.

George W. Whitmer Jr., 78, of Stephen, MN, died early Saturday morning, October 5, 2024, with his two daughters by his side, at the Good Samaritan Center in Park River, ND.

George Wendall Whitmer Jr. was born on March 26, 1946 in New Vienna, OH, the son of George Wendall Sr. and Dorothy Ethel (Waits) Whitmer. He was raised in New Vienna and graduated from Simon Kenton High School.  On January 29, 1966, George was united in marriage to Martha Jean Baker in Campbellsville, TN. The two made their home and started their family in Louisville, later moving to Jeffersonville, IN, and Miami, FL (in 1986).

He was a corrections officer at the Dade Correctional Institution for many years. In 2008, George and Martha Jean moved to Stephen to live closer to their daughter, Heidi. When their other daughter, Marylou, followed the family was reunited in the northern Red River Valley where Martha and George could stay active as grandparents with school activities and enjoying family time every day.  Unfortunately, Martha Jean died on July 11, 2022.

George loved sports of all kinds – whether watching or playing.  He played basketball for Eastern Kentucky University and Sullivan University.  While at Sullivan University, he played on the team that was the NJCAA National Champions in 1977.  George particularly enjoyed watching basketball and baseball.  Coin collecting and golfing were some of his other hobbies.  

He is survived by his children, David (Toni) Whitmer, Marylou Whitmer, and Heidi (Jason) Hanson; grandchildren, Caleb (Brianna) Banks, Megan (Blaize) Kandler, Shane Banks, Andrew Hanson, Christopher Todd Whitmer Jr, and Emily, Tiffany, Tabitha, Taylor, Trinity, Lilly, and Kendal Whitmer; many great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Terry Zurface; two nieces, Tiara and Heather; and many other relatives.

George was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Martha Jean; son, Christopher (Harriet) Whitmer; and sister, Rosemarie Zurface.

SERVICES: Will be conducted by his family at a later date.