Obituaries

Madison - Dean Leno Whiting left us peacefully on September 11, 2024, in Sun Prairie, WI, at the age of 85. He was born on February 9, 1939, in Green Bay, WI, to Ivy and Leno Whiting and was the 2nd of seven siblings.

Dean served in the US Navy on the USS Saratoga from 1957 to 1963. After the Navy he worked in the Charmin Paper Mill and earned his accounting degree from Green Bay Technical College. On June 13, 1964 Dean married the love of his life, Judy (Van Nelson) and they started a family 10 months later. They raised 3 girls together, Tina, Vickie and Jenny. It takes a special man to raise 3 girls and he was the best. He had a soft spot for his girls and gave them his love unconditionally.

Dean and Judy moved to Madison in 1966 for Dean to begin a 30 year career as an inheritance auditor for the WI Department of Revenue. He retired in 1996 and spent his time relaxing on his screen porch, watching the birds, coin collecting, reading and listening to all genres of music while whistling along. He loved spending time with his 6 grandchildren, Tyler, Kaitlyn, Diana, Nathan, Danielle and Will, and watching them grow. He was just as kind and loving as a grandpa, and his grandkids adored him. Just like he did with his daughters, he played on the floor with the kids or held them on his lap to read some Dr. Seuss. He enjoyed a good Blues Festival or other live music. Dean and Judy also loved to travel and enjoyed road trips out West and a 40th anniversary cruise to Hawaii.

Dean cherished family and friendships. He was always up for a family reunion picnic or celebration of any kind and usually was the last to leave. He tried to make every wedding, reunion or other gathering. He loved hanging out with his kids and grandkids for cookouts, birthday celebrations or a Packer, Badger or Brewer game. He played cards with poker buddies, the neighborhood card club and the St. Peter's card club.

In his eighties Dean was blessed with 2 great grandchildren, Landon and Mason. They brought even more joy to him as he bantered with them from his recliner.

As a charter member of St. Peter Catholic Church he volunteered his time as a counter each week.

Dean will be missed for his sense of humor, kindness, joy in the little things and the love for all of those blessed to have been in his life.

Dean is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judy. He is also survived by his daughters Tina Hafeman (David), Vickie Lindemann (Scott), and Jenny Whiting-Dennis (Bill Dennis); grandchildren Tyler Rowin (Betsy Alland), Kaitlyn Peters (Matt), Diana Rowin, Nathan Hafeman, Danielle Maggio and Will Dennis; great grandchildren Landon Dean Henning and Mason Peters. He is survived by his siblings Leon Whiting (Chris), Sharon Van Lanen, Cindy Brazeau (Jim), Debbie Whiting (Dan Lequia) and brothers-in-laws Bill Van Nelson (Cheryl), Tom Van Nelson (Carol) and Jim Van Nelson. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents Leno and Ivy (Fuller) Whiting; sisters Diane (Joe) Mendolla and Janice (Marv) Delvaux; sisters-in-laws Mary (Richard) Pittler, Linda Van Nelson and Nancy Van Nelson.

Family would like to thank the many caregivers from Agrace and Hyland Crossings for their loving care and support.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00pm on Monday, September 16, 2024, at ST. PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5001 N Sherman Ave, Madison, with Fr. Bill Nolan presiding. A visitation will take place at the church from 10:00am until the time of service. Burial will take place at RESURRECTION CEMETERY, 2705 Regent St, Madison.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Alzheimer's Association, Agrace or St. Jude.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257