Wallace Whittaker

Wallace Whittaker was born on May 6, 1931 in Alexandria, Minnesota. The son of Charles Whittaker and Hazel (Nelson) Zauner, he graduated from Alexandria Central High School in 1949, and went on to join the Army. On November 11, 1950, while still in the service, he was united in marriage with Gloria Lundgren of Alexandria. Following Wally?s Honorable Discharge, the couple moved to Northfield, MN where Wally worked on the farm with his Uncle, Art Nelson for 2 years. In 1952 Wally, Gloria, and their first two children, Jacqueline and Bruce moved to St. Paul, MN where Wally began a 33 year career as an Appliance Technician for General Electric. In 1959 the family moved to Rochester, MN where Wally operated a General Electric service center. In 1965 Wally and Gloria moved with their now 7 children to Coon Rapids, MN where they lived for 40 years until Wally retired from General Electric. Wally was an outstanding employee for General Electric and loved his work. He reluctantly retired from GE in 1993. Shortly after retirement, he noticed and involuntary twitch in his finger. The test results revealed that he was suffering from Parkinson?s Disease. Despite the debilitating effects of the Parkinson?s, Wally continued to use his superior mechanic skills to volunteer his time fixing appliances free of charge for those who could not afford to hire a repairman. Wally also volunteered a great deal of time working with Meals on Wheels delivering food to those who were unable to leave their homes. Wally never spoke of the services he did. He was a quiet man who lived his life with humility and compassion for others. In addition to his dedication to his family and his work, Wally was an outstanding athlete and enjoyed sports. He played various sports competitively in high school. This competitive spirit and attention to physical fitness was an integral part of his life. Wally played volleyball for Peace Lutheran Church in Coon Rapids and organized a team for the Coon Rapids Athletic Association which allowed him time to play volleyball with his sons and good friends until the effects of Parkinson?s forced him to stop. In 2004, Wally and Gloria moved back to their hometown, Alexandria, and built their dream home on the lake. Wally enjoyed years of fishing and spending time with his grandchildren on the lake. He was also a member of Calvary Lutheran Church and the Golden K Club. Wally died on his 81st birthday, May 6, 2012 at the Douglas County Hospital. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Jacqueline Whittaker, mother Hazel Zauner, step father Joe Zauner, sister Margaret Nowicki, and brother James Whittaker. Wally is survived by his wife Gloria, children Bruce Whittaker of Minneapolis, Sue Whittaker of San Diego, CA, Janet (Daniel) Wilson of Chandler, AZ, Bill (Glenda) Whittaker of Albuquerque, NM, Dan (Beth) Whittaker of Forest Lake, and Doug (Sherri) Whittaker of Hudson, WI. Wallace is also survived by his grandchildren; Jay, Gina, Marie, Jordan, Ryan, Tyler, Chandra, Luke, Alexandra, Scott and Julie; great grandchildren Zachary and Keira; brother Warren Whittaker and sister Gladys LaValle, and many nephews, nieces and dear friends. Memorial services were held on Thursday, May 10, 2012, at the Calvary Lutheran Church with Rev. Hans Dahl officiating. Music was provided by Kim Byrne. Honorary pallbearers were Wally?s grandchildren Jay Whittaker, Gina Donnelly, Marie Whittaker, Jordan Whittaker, Ryan Whittaker, Tyler, Whittaker, Chandra Dickinson, Luke Whittaker, Alexandra Wegman, Scott Whittaker, and Julie Whittaker. Inurnment was at the Geneva Cemetery in Alexandria, Minnesota. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. www.andersonfuneral.net