Wayne O Whiting

Wayne Odair Whiting was born on March 6,1928 in Pine City, Minnesota to Clinton and Salin (Anderson) Whiting. He was baptized in Pine City and confirmed at Svea Lutheran Church (Calvary) in Alexandria. The family farmed in the Pine City area until purchasing a farm in Alexandria in 1943. They continued to farm after his father died shortly after moving to Alexandria. When his two brothers were drafted into WWII, Wayne, along with his mother and sisters, took over running the family farm.

On October 15th, 1950, Wayne married Gloria Keck at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Wayne and Gloria operated the family farm together for more than 65 years. In 1958, Wayne was named Outstanding Young Farmer by the Alexandria Jaycees. After selling the dairy cows in 1978, Wayne continued to farm the land while working as a real estate agent and auctioneer. While farming, he served on the board of directors of Midland Cooperative and Midwest Breeders Association, was a 4-H club leader and president of the local school board. Wayne was a member of the Zion Men`s Club and served as Usher and Head Usher at Zion for many years.

Throughout his life, Wayne was active in soil, water, and wildlife conservation. An avid hunter, he taught his Grandchildren the importance of protecting nature. In 2005, Wayne was named Conservationist of the Year by the Viking Sportsmen Association.

Wayne died on Saturday, March 1st at the age of 96 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Gloria, brothers Milton Whiting and Lee Whiting, sisters Arlene Anderson, Shirley McFarlane, and Donna Beilke; brothers-in-law Roland Anderson, Clayton McFarlane, Irvin Monson, John Beilke, and sisters-in-law Lois Whiting, Dorine Whiting, and Marlys Hewett.

He is survived by his children Brian Whiting of Alexandria, Brenda Olson (Donn) of Hoffman, Steven Whiting (Joyce) of Alexandria, Todd Whiting of Carlos, Gayle Whiting of Chanhassen, 14 Grandchildren, many Great Grandchildren, sister Lucille Asmund of Mora, brother-in-law Charles (Barb) Keck, and sister-in-law Arlene (Dave) Lyman.

Funeral Services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church on Thursday, March 13th at 11 AM, with visitation one hour prior. Reverend Matt Lorenz officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Alexandria.