John E. Whittaker

John E. Whittaker, 78 of Fremont, OH passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024 at the Cleveland Clinic. He was born on March 17, 1946 in in Fremont, OH to Eldon and Sue (Christiansen) Whittaker. John was a 1964 graduate of Fremont Ross High School.

John married Bette Jane Haas on June 18, 1971 in Monroe, MI and she preceded him in death on October 5, 2021. He owned and operated both Whittaker Well Drilling and Warner Auto parts for many years. John went on to retire in 2006 from Chrysler as a machinist after many years of service. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was also a member of Mason Brainard Lodge 336 where he was a Worship Master in 1999 and 2015, a Lodge Educational Officer, a Chaplin and he received the Outstanding Lodge Educational Officer of the Year award. John enjoyed working on cars, attending sprint car races, yard work and flying his airplane. He was an avid Notre Dame fan. 

John is survived by his children, Wenda Criswell, Shelly (Todd Brace) Whittaker, Justin Whittaker, Lisa (Jay) Hartley and Brandi Carter and chosen family, Amber Root, Stacy and Brian Kemenah; grandchildren, Ashleigh, Adam, Kristen, Cody, Cory, Aeriana, Logan, Jordon, Price and Macey Jane; great grandchildren, Braylon, Brienne, Peyton, Kinsley, Luci, Gianna and Makenna.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Bette Jane Whittaker; sister, Sally Gibson and son-in-law, Christofer Criswell.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the Clevland Clinic for their loving care shown upon John and his family. 

Visitation will take place on Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 4 pm to 7 pm with a Mason Lodge Service beginning at 7 pm at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, 425 E. State St, Fremont, OH 43420.

Services will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024, 11:00 am at the funeral home. 

Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Fremont, OH.

Memorials can be made in John’s honor to Mason Brainard Lodge 336.