Roger Whitman

Roger Reynolds Whitman, age 94 passed away peacefully Tuesday December 21, 2021. He was born to Otto Fredrick and Helen Louise Whitman on Nov 29, 1927, in Grand Rapids Mich. The only time Roger didn’t live in Coopersville was during his Military years of service in the U.S. Navy. Before graduating from Coopersville High School Roger was a member of Coopersville’s State football Championship team. The high schools at that time were not classified as A B C D. They played against much larger schools like Detroit. They truly were the Best in the state, when asked who they beat to win, he simply said, “we beat them all”. Roger served in the US Navy during the WWII period. After Boot camp, he attended Sub school in New London, Connecticut. He then served aboard the USS Razorback SS394 in the South Pacific. He married Madonna Pointer on Sept 17,1949 at St Michaels Church in Denison, Mi. They recently celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary. Roger worked 43 years at Teledyne Continental Motors. During that time he earned journeyman status in three areas. He spent 10 years as a Pipe Fitter, including high pressure steam, he spent 12 years as a Millwright, and finished his career as a Machine Repairman. Roger then worked as a night watchman at Steelcase short of 15 years. Roger was very active in the community of Coopersville. He served as a city councilman, and later became the Mayor of Coopersville. Roger was very active in the Coopersville Sportsman’s club. He received the Coopersville Jaycees Citizen of the Year award in 1992. Roger also received the Citizen of the Year award for 2018 from the city of Coopersville. The Ottawa County board of commissioners issued a resolution honoring Roger for his 15 years of service to the city of Coopersville for service on many boards as well as the city council and Mayor. He also served on the board of the Coopersville / Polkton fire board for a short term. Roger was very active with the WWII Submarine veterans. He served as state commander 1993-1995. Roger was also very active with the USS Silversides Museum in Muskegon where he could be found giving tours of the boat. He was a Board member for over 31 years. Roger was also a decade long member of the Muskegon Irish American Society. Roger is survived by his sister; Bobbi (Dick) Herrinton, daughters; Renee (Whitman) Stroven & Finn Nielsen, Stephanie (Whitman) Timmerman, Brenda (Whitman) & Kevin Kilpatrick. Son; John & Jalyn (Lubberts) Whitman, His son-in law; Rodney Jonio; Grandchildren; Daniell Jonio, Robert Jonio, Sabrina (Jonio) & Tom Barnwell, Nicole Stroven, Jim & Beth (Steif) Stroven, Brandi (Stroven) & Jon Sterk, Wendy (Timmerman) & Zack Voogt, Craig & Jody (Wilson) Timmerman, Roger R. & Alyse (Dewitt) Whitman II, Raymond Whitman, Ann Whitman, Father Kyle Kilpatrick, Alex & Molly (Annala) Kilpatrick, Connor Kilpatrick and 21 Great Grandchildren. Roger was preceded in death by his wife, Madonna, and his daughter Ladonna Jonio. His funeral will be Saturday, January 22nd, 10:30 am at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Coopersville. In lieu of flowers please consider contributions to the USS Silversides Museum.