John W. Whipple, Died February 17, 2019

John W. Whipple

Died Feb. 17, 2019

NORTHPORT – John William Whipple, 84, of Northport, passed away early Sunday morning February 17, 2019 at Northport Highlands with his loving wife,Griselda, by his side.

John was born February 18, 1934 in Mt. Morris, MI to Harry and Nora (Nye) Whipple.  He was raised in Midland where he later attended Midland High School and was active in sports, excelling in football and baseball.

Following graduation, John enlisted in the U.S. Army and was deployed to Germany where he served with the military police.  After serving his country, John completed his university studies.  Over the

years he worked as a teacher, social worker, school psychologist, clinical director for a mental health clinic, and as a psychologist in private practice.  He retired in 2003.

John and Griselda met in Texas over 30 years ago.  They moved to Chicago where they both worked for the public school system.  On March 24, 2000 they married in Oak Park, Illinois.  As a young man, John visited the Leelanau Peninsula and fell in love with the beauty of the area.  His dream was to someday own a home by the water.  In 1969 he purchased property on Lake Michigan and one year later his dream became a reality when his lake house was built.

From then on there was no other place John enjoyed more.  Many wonderful days were spent there enjoying life with family and friends.  The “bar” was always open at the lake house and John made sure no one’s glass was ever empty.  He loved to sit on the deck and enjoy the beautiful views and sunsets.  His favorite saying was, “It doesn’t get better than this!”

John enjoyed the company of many good friends. Golfing and regularly meeting his friends for coffee were favorite past times.  He also looked forward to hunting season and the opportunity to spend time with his hunting buddy, Duane Whitman.  He took pride in the fact that the two of them had been best friends since the age of six.

John loved to talk and no one was a stranger to him.  He would often stop to chat with deliverymen, workers, or anyone who happened by.  John was a kind, generous man with a great sense of humor.  He loved to tease people and had a mischievous side to him.  Often competitive, he was always ready to place a “friendly wager” on just about anything.  A unique individual, John will be missed by many.

John is survived by his wife, Griselda (Uribe); stepson, Jayson (Gretchen) Goodner of Brooklyn, NY; a special niece, Kari Klinski of Royal Oak, MI; many nieces, nephews, and numerous special friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents and all of his 10 siblings: Robert, Ruth, Kenneth, Dorothy, Myron, Mildred, Geraldine, Jane, Jean, and Keith.

A celebration of John’s life will be held this summer.

Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 921 W. 11^th Street, Suite 1W, Traverse City, MI 49684; The Leelanau Conservancy, 105 N. First Street/PO Box 1007, Leland, MI 49654; Wings of Wonder, 13035 S. Greenway Trail, Empire, MI 49630

His family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Northport Highlands for the loving care and respect given to him during his stay there.

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