Frank Whitney III

Frank Becht Whitney III was a gregarious guy and committed man. He was outgoing and friendly, energetic and engaging. Whether at work or play, he stayed active and took an interest in the people around him. He was attentive to others yet totally focused on his family. Of all his accomplishments, Frank was most proud and happy to be a husband, father and grandfather.

Frank was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Frank Jr. and Joan (LeRoy) Whitney, who were happy to welcome their first child, Frank III, into their lives on July 10, 1962.

Frank and his siblings, Mike and Jennie, grew up in nearby Plainwell and enjoyed a typical childhood filled with fun and friends. The neighbor kids made up a game called “roof ball,” and Frank quickly proved himself a master. In high school, he played football and was especially good at basketball. He wasn’t above pulling pranks, so when someone “streaked” through the school, Frank couldn’t avoid the suspicion that he was the perpetrator.

While in high school, Frank met Wendy Witherell and over the years that they dated, they fell in love and made a lifelong commitment to one another. They married on July 7, 1984 and were thrilled at the births of each of their children: Kayla, Frank IV, and Brenna. Frank was a very invested parent, and by the time the kids entered school, he was well on his way to becoming a soccer and dance dad. He made sure he was at all their school activities and sporting events.

Frank was a lifelong car guy. He got his start working at the family gas station, and in his twenties, he occasionally drove in demolition derbies. His first dealership employment was with Dick Loehr’s, and over time, he became the service manager at Allegan Chrysler, staying with them even after they sold to Harold Ziegler. Frank worked hard at his job and spent his career doing what came naturally. He was blessed with the gift of gab and truly liked the product his company sold.

Frank could talk to anyone no matter if they were friend or stranger. Wendy good-naturedly joked that she had to add 45 minutes to her trip to the grocery store if Frank was along. He always found someone to chat with. Among his family, Frank loved getting together to share stories and food. On such occasions, he regularly requested his sister’s bean dish and he brought his famous pickle dip. Not surprisingly, Frank liked spicy food. It went with his zest for living.

From his childhood days as a sportsman and a sports fan, Frank was active on many fronts. He went bowling and played golf on various leagues at Prairie Wood Golf Course. He fished with his daughter Brenna, and his preferred fishing hole was Pine Lake where his sister lived. He followed Michigan’s pro teams—the Detroit Tigers and especially the Red Wings. He was a diehard Michigan State University fan, and it paid off in 2015 when the basketball team made it to the Final Four. Frank was looking forward to the game on Saturday.

On Wednesday, April 1, 2015, Frank died at his home suddenly and unexpectedly. He will be dearly missed by the family who meant the world to him.

Frank was preceded in death by his mother Joan. He is survived by his wife Wendy, his children Kayla (Josh) Murdock, Frank Whitney IV and Brenna Whitney, his granddaughters Lauren & Hannah Murdock, his father Frank Whitney, Jr., his brother Mike (Nan) Whitney and sister Jennie (Eric) Szatkowski as well as many other relatives. Cremation has taken place and visitation will be held on Monday April 6th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and on Tuesday April 7th from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Homes, Plainwell; 120 S. Woodhams (685-5881) with a memorial service to immediate follow at 2:00 p.m. Visit Frank’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com. Memorial donations made be made to the American Heart Association.