Roger August Whitens
HERMANSVILLE — Roger August Whitens, 89, of Hermansville, passed away after a lengthy illness, June 25, 2018, at the Oscar G. Johnson V.A. Medical Center in Iron Mountain. He was born June 10, 1929, in Hermansville, the son of William and Theresa (Arduin) Whitens, and was a 1947 graduate of Hermansville High School. Roger was a Korean War veteran serving in the U.S. Army’s 3rd Armored Division, 64th Tank Battalion out of Fort Knox, Ky. and was a tank gunner.
In 1954, he married the former Elizabeth Savord at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hermansville and was a lifelong resident of Hermansville.
Roger was employed by the Wisconsin Land & Lumber and Furblo Companies, both of Hermansville, and Harnischfeger Corporation in Escanaba. In 1964 he started his own welding business, subcontracting work from the Gafner Machine Company of Escanaba. In 1983, he reactivated the former IXL dry kilns in Hermansville, added a saw mill, plaining mill and lumber yard, forming Whitens Kiln & Lumber Co.
Roger loved music and learned to play several musical instruments. For many years he and his brothers had their own band, The Whitens Brothers, performing for many dances, weddings and other events. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hermansville and a choir member for over 60 years as also a member of the Leo Floriano American Legion Post 340 of Hermansville, serving for over 60 years.
Roger is survived by five children, Alan (Nancy) of Hermansville, Russell (Cindy) of Powers, Bruce (Peggy Eichorn) of Hermansville, Marilyn (Mike Popp) of Libertyville, Ill., and Jalaine (Larry Bellmore) of Hermansville; eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and three brothers, Eugene, Robert and Donald of Hermansville.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, two brothers, William Jr. and Richard, and sister, Kathleen Menard.
Friends may call on Friday, June 29, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CST at the Allo Coolman Funeral Home in Spalding. Military rites will immediately follow the visitation at the funeral home at 12:30 p.m. presented by the Floriano Stecker Kelly American Legion Post 340. Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Roger’s life will follow at 1:30 p.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Hermansville with Fr. Jacek Wtyklo officiating. Burial will be in Meyer Township Cemetery.
Please visit the website www.allofh.com to send online condolences to his family. The Allo Coolman Funeral Homes are assisting the Whitens family.