Stanley Whiting

Stanley "Stan" E. Whiting, 94, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on June 17th, 2019. Stan was born to fireworks on the 4th of July 1924 to Carlton and Gladys (Jenkins) Whiting. He was the eldest of six children, which put him in charge. Losing his father in an accident when Stan was 12 years old, he took on the responsibility of being the protective older brother to his younger siblings. That protection for his family later turned into Stan wanting to protect his country. Seventeen at the time, Stan lied about his age so he could enlist in the Air Force during WW2 (1943-1945), and later, Korea (1945-1952). He was ranked Major in the Civil Air Patrol for 44 years (1941-1985) and loved every second of it. As a teenager Stan rode his beloved pony, Ned, overnight from Dodge Center to a farm outside of Rochester. His journey made the local newspaper. Stan lived at Mayowood with his parents for a number of years, starting up Rochester's first dairy farm. On June 21st, 1946 he married Betty Ruth Brumm. Together they had four fun-loving and spirited boys. Stan was employed by Rochester Dairy as a route driver, following in his dads footsteps. He worked at Durkee-Atwood in Red Wing on the assembly line and later worked at IBM for many years, retiring as a procurement engineer. Under deadlines, Stan would take his plane to different IBM hubs and do airdrops for various software parts. For a number of years Stan proudly drove his prized 1940 Dodge in the Rochester parade. Stan and Betty owned Island Campground in Red Wing / Hager City area, spending much of their time with the locals and traveling in their RV. Stan was involved with Rochester Public Schools, Rochester Area Foundation, Heritage Associates, American Legion, where he served as a post commander for a period of time. He belonged to Rochester Eagles, Moose Lodge and the VFW. He gave willingly and selflessly to programs he was passionate about. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Betty Ruth in 2009, and his daughter in law Cheryl Whiting. He is survived by his sons, Kenneth (Diane) Whiting of Rochester, MN, Larrey (Donna) Whiting of Hager City, WI, Stanley James (Jim) Whiting of Rochester, MN and Danney (Martie) Whiting of Rochester, MN; 7 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren; brother Carlton (Loretta) Whiting of California, sisters Connie Mieras of California, Marilyn Kaiserlik of Minnesota, Barbara Christensen of Virginia, and Dorothy Strait of Texas. It would be difficult to summarize all that Stan did for his family and country during his long and fulfilling life. What can be said is he was a man that believed in the greater good of all. He was a hero. We thank him for his service, his love, and his guidance. He impacted many during his time here and will continue to impact generations to come. Memorials can be gifted to Seasons Hospice (1696 Greenview Dr. SW Rochester, MN 55902). A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 28, 2019 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes (5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN). Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Whiting family. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com