Muriel Margaret Whitman
Muriel Margaret Whitman
Muriel Margaret Whitman of Manistique, MI, passed away peacefully at the age of 100, on the evening of November 25, 2025, at Woodland Assisted Living, Manistique.
Muriel was born the third of six children to George and Aurora (Guertin) Farley, in Garden, MI on February 3, 1925. She was raised in the area and graduated as valedictorian from Garden High School in 1943.
That same year, Muriel headed for Detroit where she would share an apartment with her sisters. She soon found herself employed at the Briggs Manufacturing Company riveting airplane wings during the height of WWII–she was a true “Rosie the Riveter,” doing her part to win the war. Muriel saved whatever she could from her earnings, so that she could afford to attend business school.
Muriel remained employed as a riveter at the Briggs factory for nearly a year before leaving to attend Cleary Business College in Ypsilanti, MI. After the war, she returned home to Garden and married Walter Whitman, Jr. on June 21, 1947. Whitman was co-owner of the Cloverland Lodge in Manistique where Muriel worked for many years as a bookkeeper. Walter preceded her in death on January 16, 2015.
Family gatherings were very important to Muriel. She loved baking and was an avid bridge player.
Muriel is survived by her children, Ronnie (Sue) Whitman of Manistique, Jeffrey (Lana) Whitman of Schofield, WI, and Wayne (Cathy) Whitman of Holt, MI; eight grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Walter; and son David Whitman.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am Monday, December 1, 2025, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 330 Oak Street, Manistique, MI. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am Monday at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Benedetto Paris officiating. A luncheon will be served following the funeral services. Burial will take place in the Hiawatha Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to St. Francis de Sales School or to the Schoolcraft Historical Society.
The family has entrusted the funeral arrangements to the Anderson Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone, MI. Condolences may be sent to the family online by visiting http://www.andersonfuneralhomes.net
