Walter Leo Whittle, age 89, passed over to the father on Monday, July 10, 2017, at Madonna Towers in Rochester, MN. He lived at Shorewood Senior Living in Rochester for the past eight years where he enjoyed many new friends. He was the eldest child of nine children born to Margaret (Holtz) and Ambrose Whittle. He was born near Littleport, Iowa, on May 26, 1928, where he lived with his family on a number of farms in the area. He attended country school and St. Joseph’s high school. He enjoyed working on the farm helping his Dad and brothers.
On October 17, 1970, he married Sarah Rathert. They made their home in Elkader. He was a devoted husband, brother and uncle whose family came second only to his faith. They attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for many years.
Survivors include three brothers, Gregory (Emily) Whittle of Altoona, IA, Lowell Whittle and special friend (Peggy Hockers) of Green Bay, WI, Francis (Susan) Whittle of Elkader; three sisters, Helen (Art) Mueller of Rochester, MN, Irene Evans of Savanna, Il and Marian (Dick) Brockman of Topeka, KS and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Ambrose; his wife, Sally; brother, Marvin and sister-in-law, Sandra; sister, Loretta Garbina and her husband, Jerry, and brother-in law, Joseph Evans.
Online condolences may be left with www.graufuneralhomes.com.
Visitation will be from 4-8 pm, Sunday, July 16, 2017 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elkader, Iowa with a one hour visitation before mass at the church on Monday.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am, Monday July 17, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Elkader Iowa with Rev. Paul R. Peters as the Celebrant.
Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Elkader, Iowa.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.