John “Max” Whitney
John “Max” Whitney
ESCANABA — John “Max” Whitney, 93, of Escanaba passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba.
He was born November 9, 1931, in Sheboygan, WI and was the son of Joseph and Thelma (Hardy) Whitney. Max graduated from Escanaba High School in 1950 and then attended college at Soo Tech in Sault Ste. Marie, MI for two years and transferred to Michigan State University and graduated with a B.A. Degree in Business Accounting. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War serving for two years until he was honorably discharged. Max worked seven years with his father on the Whitney Mink Farm. He then accepted a position with Louisiana Pacific Corporation as an accountant, and later as a veneer sales coordinator retiring after 26 1/2 years in 1994.
John “Max” Whitney married the former Maxine Koch on June 27, 1953, in Escanaba and she preceded him in death on November 29, 1994. He later married Shirley LaMarche Prim on February 14, 1998, and she preceded him in death on August 25, 2005.
Max enjoyed deer hunting, bird hunting, golfing and fishing. He loved to spend time at his cottage at Stevens Lake.
Max is survived by sons Timothy (Karen) Whitney of Gladstone, Mark (Tina) Whitney of Escanaba, and William (Dawn) Whitney of Eagle River, WI; eight grandchildren; twenty-five great grandchildren, one great great grandchild; sisters, Joyce Niebes of Springfield, MS and Betty Pederson of Ocala, FL and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wives Max was preceded in death by his brother Richard Whitney and good friend Pat Menard.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Delta County Veteran’s services will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Monday at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services celebrating the life of John “Max” Whitney will follow the veterans service in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bo Lange officiating. Burial will take place in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery. The Anderson Funeral Home is assisting the Whitney family with the arrangements and online condolences can be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.
