Obituaries

Dean Leno Whiting

February 09, 1939 - September 11, 2024

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Obituary For Dean Leno Whiting

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

Services

16 Sep

Visitation

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

St. Peter Catholic Church 5001 North Sherman Avenue Madison, WI 53704 Get Directions »
16 Sep

Mass of Christian Burial

12:00 PM

St. Peter Catholic Church 5001 North Sherman Avenue Madison, WI 53704 Get Directions »
16 Sep

Committal

02:45 PM

Resurrection Cemetery 2705 Regent St Madison, Wi 53705 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • September 16, 2024

    I was a fellow "Figgie" (Fiduciary, Inheritance, and Gift Tax auditor) with Dean from 1979 to 1984. But I continued in the same Bureau as an Excise Tax auditor. The unit lost some GREAT guys in the last couple years—Ron White, Dan Stencel, Mel Heiden, and now Dean. RIP Dean-o! Sorry I missed your send-off today. Chuck Zwettler

  • September 15, 2024

    Dear Judy and family, Our deepest sympathy for your loss. We're so thankful for the many years of friendship our families have had together and all of the great memories with Dean. Much comfort to you in this time. The Snow Family - Jerry, Carol, Ann & Sue

  • September 15, 2024

    Judy and Family, Being the last living of Dean's poker buddies CHESTER, ART, ROY, TOM, GENE and RANDY all deceased My condolences on their behalf to you and family. God bless to you all. Ken Weisensel Ken Weisensel

  • September 14, 2024

    So sorry for your loss, our condolences to your family as we know this is a difficult time when losing a loved one. 🙏 🙏 Karen and Annette Mendolla

  • September 12, 2024

    Dear Judy and family, My deepest sympathy for your loss. I always enjoyed seeing all of you together because it always had laughter, love and happiness! Prayers for all of you during this difficult time. May God bring comfort to all of you. Sincerely with love, Darla Mendolla

  • September 12, 2024

    Dean was such a great guy. I always enjoyed talking to him. I knew he was a good man when he attended the funeral of my dad's mother. That meant a lot to me. It's something that I'll never forget. Your dad was a kind & caring person. My deepest sympathy goes out to you & your entire family

  • September 12, 2024

    When I think of Dean, I remember the smile on his face and his laughter

Tributes

  • Beautiful Dreams

    Joseph P Mendolla sent Beautiful Dreams for Dean Leno Whiting - September 12, 2024

    Deepest condolences - Dean was a kind & caring person. I know that he'll be missed by many.

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what our families say

Tiffany Foster went out of her way to fulfill all my requests, talked me through problems I was facing, and tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible when I was a wreck, totally crushed, and I thank her with all of my heart for that.

James S. | July 2020

The professional manner of the staff made a difficult time a little easier.

Lynda R. | July 2020

Services provided for both parents were perfect, on time, and no issues. Brenda is awesome and strong!

Michael M. | July 2020

Skyler was absolutely amazing. She was so caring and helpful through this whole process. She even went above and beyond to meet with us in DeForest and even to make a stop at our home to drop off or pick up anything needed. While it was a small gesture, it was so helpful and greatly appreciated.

Brooke S. | Dec. 2020

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