David George Whitman
MANISTIQUE — Life-long resident, David George Whitman, 74, of Manistique, passed away at home on December 5, 2023. David was born March 24, 1949 to his parents, Walter and Muriel Whitman. He attended Manistique Area Schools, graduating with the MHS class of 1967. Two years later, he married the former Sandra Jones at St. Francis de Sales on April 19, 1969, celebrating 54 wonderful years of marriage. Together they had two children.
After high school, David worked with Great Lakes Freighters, in the trucking industry, and spent seven years farming. However, he hit his stride in 1978 when he began his own successful company, Whitman Excavating. David loved working. He was a creative guy who loved what he did. He enjoyed talking shop, always! He was a master at turning conversations into work-related topics.
David loved the outdoors and riding through the woods. He was an avid gun collector and enjoyed hunting and target shooting. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. He was a member of the U.P. Whitetails Association of Schoolcraft County, Ducks Unlimited, the NRA, and Delta County Gun Owners Association. He was a proud member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians and held a Captain’s License for the Sault Tribe.
He loved his family. His little buddy Jackson, his “peapod” was the joy of his life.
David is survived by his wife, Sandra, of Manistique, Mich.; his son, Daniel (LeeAnne) Whitman of Manistique, Mich.; his daughter, Kathy (Chris) Ziminski of Neenah, Wis.; his brothers, Ronnie Whitman of Manistique, Mich., Jeff Whitman of Wausau, Wis. and Wayne Whitman of Holt, Mich. and their families. David is also survived by his three grandchildren, Zachary Whitman, Dakota (Haley) Whitman, and Nicholas Ziminski; great-grandson, Jackson Christopher “Peapod” Whitman; his mother, Muriel Whitman of Manistique, Mich.; and special goddaughter, Katie LaMuth.
David was preceded in death by his father Walter Whitman.
Memorial donations in David’s honor may be sent to the Eva Burrell Animal Shelter at 6091W US Highway 2, Manistique, MI 49854.
A Christian burial at Hiawatha Cemetery will take place in the spring of 2024.
Fausett Family Funeral Homes is assisting the family with arrangements.