Raymond "Shorty" Whitman

Raymond ?Shorty? Whitman was born on January 7, 1926, in Alexandria, Minnesota the son of Bruce and Esther (Dixion) Whitman. He attended school through the 8th grade and then worked for different farmers in the area before being drafted in the United States Army. Ray proudly served his country during World War II in the Philippines and was honorably discharged in November 26, 1946. Upon returning to Alexandria Ray worked for Ed Thompson at his gas station. It was during this time that he met and married Darlene Simonson on September 27, 1952 at Chippewa Falls Lutheran Church in Terrace, Minnesota. To this union six children were born. In 1958, Shorty started working as sexton at Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria and in 1963 was employed also by Alexandria Extrusion. He worked both jobs for several years and took great pride in his work. In 2006 Ray started working for ProTainer and retired in 2011. The Whitmans enjoyed traveling especially their trips to Hawaii, Germany, Branson, Missouri, and California. Raymond will be remembered as a gentle man who had a deep faith in God. He loved his family and enjoyed the time spent with his grandchildren, great grandchildren and going to their different activities. He also treasured the friendships he made and really appreciated the new friends he met at Bethany Adult Day Program. Ray died on Monday, February 18, 2013 at the Douglas County Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Darlene of 60 years; children: Tonya & Irvan Pazdernik of Alexandria, David & Betty Whitman of Kensington, Marsha & Sam Greeley of Hoffman, Vickie & Shane Schmidt of Alexandria, Lana & Fred Krafthefer of Farwell; 16 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren; sister, Louise Johnson of Olivia, MN. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Barbara Lock; parents and brother, Leland. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 22, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at Living Waters Church in Alexandria with Rev. Sammy McKay officiating. Pallbearers were Irvan Pazdernik, Ivan Pazdernik, David Whitman, Sam Greeley, Shane Schmidt, Fred Krafthefer. Military honors were by American Legion Post 87 & VFW Post 936, Minnesota National Guard Funeral Honors and his grandson, Lt. Col. Michael Pazdernik. Burial will be at Kinkead Cemetery. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net