John Whitson

John William "Jack" Whitson, age 79, a lifelong resident of Stanton, died on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at the Angels Care Center. Jack was born on July 14, 1931 in St. Paul, the son of Claude R. and Louise A. (Schwanke) Whitson. He attended Randolph schools, where he played and excelled in his favorite sport, basketball. He graduated from Randolph High School in 1949, and later served with the U.S. Army from 1956 until his honorable discharge in 1958. Jack married Linda Peter on April 8, 1961. He was a longtime member of the Stanton United Methodist Church. Jack was engaged in farming with his father. He started driving school bus for Randolph in the early 1960A�A�A½s and drove for 33 years. His love for the school children was beyond words. Jack loved sports, from the local level to the pros. When it came to remembering sports trivia, he had a memory second to none. In his youth he enjoyed bowling and playing horseshoes, and was involved in leagues for many years. JackA�A�A½s family came first. He enjoyed planning outings and vacations with his children and grandchildren. He loved to fish and hunt, and loved his animals. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda; their children, Lynn (Brian) Valek of Stanton, Mark (Jennifer) Whitson of Northfield, and Kevin (Tamara) Whitson of Stanton; and nine grandchildren, Stephanie and Cole Valek, Elizabeth, Sydney and Adrienne Whitson, Tyler and Adam Thomforde, Alyssa and Alexander Whitson. He is also survived by cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Louise Whitson; and an infant sister. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 16 at 10:30 a.m. at the Stanton United Methodist Church, with Pastor Arthur Hill officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at the Stanton Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4-8 p.m. at Lundberg Funeral Home in Cannon Falls. There will also be visitation at the church on Saturday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Active pallbearers will be Jason and Jeffrey Peter, James and Ryan Fritz, Tyler and Adam Thomforde. Honorary pallbearers will be the remaining seven grandchildren, Stephanie and Cole Valek, Elizabeth, Sydney and Adrienne Whitson, Alyssa and Alexander Whitson. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Stanton United Methodist Church and the Randolph/Hampton Fire Department.

Funeral Home: Lundberg Funeral Home 5839 Hwy 19 Blvd Cannon Falls, MN US 55009

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Previous Events

Visitation
Friday, July 15, 2011
Service
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Graveside Service
Saturday, July 16, 2011

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