Donald E. Whitt, age 69, of Merrill, passed away Friday, February 19, 2016 at Pine Crest Nursing Home. He was born on June 21, 1946 in Farina, Illinois to Edna Carter and the late Arnold Whitt. Donald and Katie Henrichs were united in marriage October 26, 1967 in Farina, IL. She survives.
Don proudly served in the U.S. Army for 21 years. He worked as a truck driver for SEMCO until his retirement. Don liked going to his cabin and spending time in the woods, especially cutting firewood. He enjoyed going out to eat and loved fishing. Donald was a very giving person and would always help and lend a hand on projects. He was a devoted father and would do anything for his daughters, including taking them shopping and waiting outside the dressing room for what sometimes seemed like hours. Don endlessly loved his grandchildren. He enjoyed volunteering at Trinity Church doing various odds and ends including ushering and helping at the school.
Survivors include his mother: Edna Whitt; wife: Katie Whitt; two daughters: Amanda (Robert) Schmidtke and Sara (Dustin) Meunier; four grandchildren: Mitchel Schmidtke, Hannah Schmidtke, McKenna Meunier, and Reese Meunier; sister-in-law: Patricia (Larry) Schwartz; brother-in-law: Rick (Beverly) Henrichs; niece: Jean (Tom) Gleich; and godson: Ben, and his beloved dog Maggie. He is preceded in death by his father, Arnold, father and mother-in-law, Lyle and Ethel Henrichs.
Funeral services for Don will be held at 11:00 Am Thursday, February 25, 2016 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 AM Thursday until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow in Merrill Memorial Park. Military honors will be performed by VFW Post #1638. Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made atwww.waidfuneral.com.