"Our prayers are with you at this time of loss. We hope you are able to find comfort in this difficult time. "
In loving memory of
Dennis Whitaker
September 5, 1944 - March 2, 2021
Dennis Whitaker
Our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Dennis Whitaker, 76, passed away after a valiant fight from COVID 19 at the University of Utah Hospital on Tuesday, March 2, 2021.
He was born on September 5, 1944 in Brigham City, Utah, a son of James and Nedra Hunsaker Whitaker. He was raised and educated in Brigham City. He graduated from Box Elder High School in 1962. Following his graduation, he went to the Air Force Reserve and trained in Biloxi, Mississippi. After returning from training, he went to Weber State College for one year and then continued his education at Utah State College where he received his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.
Dennis married his sweetheart, Barbara Misrasi on December 17, 1966 in Corinne, Utah, they just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Dennis was Vice President and co-owner of Whitaker Construction. He started when he was 12 years old with his dad and worked many construction jobs throughout the US. He retired in 2011.
Dennis was a family man, and his family was his pride and joy. He coached his son's baseball teams even taking them to a State Championship one year. He loved watching his girls in dance recitals and going to his grandchildren's sports activities. Even though he was a quiet man you could hear him cheering on his grandkids.
Dennis loved to go fishing on the Madison River and Hebgen Lake, camping up at West Yellowstone, the outdoors, golfing, gambling with his wife and traveling the Oregon coast.
Surviving is his wife, Barb; three children, Stephanie (Casey) Claybaugh; Brad (Mandy) Whitaker; Misti Whitaker-Nielsen; five grandsons, Kade Claybaugh, Kort Claybaugh, Thomas Whitaker, Nicholas Whitaker and Fisher Nielsen. Also surviving are two siblings, Tami (Jane) Marquardt; Rick (Lynelle) Whitaker and sister-in-law, Pat Whitaker and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Bob Whitaker.
The family would like to thank the staff of the University of Utah Hospital, Dr. John and Michelle Markeson for their loving care and dedication to Dennis.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 8, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Gillies Funeral Chapel, 634 E 200 S., Brigham City, Utah.
A viewing will be held on Monday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at the funeral chapel. For the live stream go to: https://my.gather.app/remember/dennis-whitaker
Please wear your masks and please social distance while at the funeral chapel.
Interment will be in the Brigham City Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by Combined Veterans of Box Elder County.
Email condolences to www.gfc-utah.com
Tributes
"Barbara, I'm so shocked to read about Dennis and his struggles. I just got home on Monday and didn't read about Dennis's graduation until today. I would have been there to support you on Monday if things had been different. I have missed the honks and waves as you and Dennis would come around the corner off sixth and onto seventh south and see me outside on the lawn or working in the yard. Barb, if there were any words that I could say now that would ease the pain, I would surely say them to you now, but after losing Linda, I know that there just aren't any. Cherish all the wonderful memories and good times that you both made and shared over the years. God bless you during the coming days and weeks, and yes, even years as you come to grips with your separation. Life is eternal, we never really lose anyone as long as we keep them in our hearts and minds. May His peace and love fill your heart now and always... Stephanie...my heart goes out to you at the passing our your beloved father. Stay strong, see your Mom often, and know that your Dad is still alive, just in a better place. Get very quiet and silent and let your Dad's presence come and comfort you. God bless you with peace and understanding. Craig"
"Tami, I am so very sorry for your losses over the past month. To loose any family member is so tragic, but to loose two brothers in so short a time is almost too much to handle. I'm sorry but I just heard about Dennis; I would have loved to of seen you again. My prayers are with you at this trying time in your life. Remember the good times, be uplifted and comforted. Craig Pixton"
"God bless you Dennis! You and I were such good friends through our school years! Rob (Robert) Taylor"
"Brad and Family - I heard about your dad's passing from my sister Antonette. She let me know about the online service, so I was able to view most of it. I vividly remember your dad as our coach when we played on the Pony League Team where we won the state championship that you spoke about. Your dad was so kind hearted and he always gave positive encouragement to all of us on the team. For some reason I always remember him chewing gum as he was coaching from the third baseline. I'm sorry for your loss I know it must be very difficult, but as you stated, "we will see him again one day." God Bless you and All of your Family - Augie "Tracy" Peña augie7171@gmail.com"
"Barb -- we were so sorry to hear about Dennis. We've missed seeing you both at Bingo in Yuma this year & were really hopeful he could get through this terrible illness. You have always been so sweet to us & you guys were just the cutest couple. May the joy you had in the 55 years you were together bring comfort to your broken heart now. Blessing of healing to you & your family. Hugs -- Chris & Brad Jacobson"
"Barbara and Family. Our Deepest Condolences goes out to You all. Dennis will surely be missed. Even though we saw you and Dennis once a year, it was very memorable. Richard would usually keep us updated when you would be able to congregate. Even though we have not met your children, please pass on our condolences. Friends, Gerald and Teri Nisogi"
"Dennis was a great friend and mentor to me! He was always so kind. I can't express how much the Hamsons are indebted to the Whitaker family. We are sure going to miss him. "
"I went to high school with Dennis. I don?t think I ever ran in to him since then. But, one just doesn?t forget Denni. I always liked that boy. Wouldn?t hurt a fly but you didn?t want to to get him mad either. My wife (Carole Gordon) was always asking about his sister Tami. The world was a better place with Dennis in it. I am very sorry fir your (our) loss. "
"On behalf of all of us at Staker Parson Companies, we send our heartfelt condolences. Dennis had a big impact on the construction industry and will be missed. Scott Parson"
"Dennis - A wonderful Man and always so kind to me... My Thoughts and prayers are with Barb and the whole family? may he Rest In Peace. "
"I am so sorry for your loss Barb and for the whole family! May he RIP! Sending you all love, peace and comfort in these hard times! God Bless you all! ?????"
"So sorry Barb . Dennis was a great person. Prayers for you and your family??????"
"What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. I think so much of you and all you have done throughout your life. What a legacy of love and kindness and hard work you have shared with your children and your posterity. May you know of the many lives you have touched. "