Our beloved Dale Paul Whittaker passed away Thursday, December 11, 2014 in Salt Lake City, Utah at the age of 91. Dale was born May 4, 1923 in Salt Lake City to Howard Moroni Whittaker and Clara Agnes Schefter, the third of four children. He was raised in the loving home of his parents and siblings LaVar Howard Whittaker, Afton Zelma Whittaker Derrick and Mary Darlene Whittaker Moran. In 1940 Dale graduated from South High School, and as part of the "Greatest Generation" enlisted and served honorably from 1942 - 1945 as a Radioman in the United States Navy. On August 15, 1947 Dale married Gloria Ann Lundeberg in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they raised three children in East Mill Creek: Steven (Deidre) Whittaker, Susan Whittaker and Nancy (Nicholas) Whittaker Ward. He served faithfully in various callings in the LDS Church including Elders Quorum (where important presidency meetings were concluded with a Burnt Almond Fudge Malt at Snelgrove's counter), ward clerk and stake executive secretary. Dale spent his career at Patrick Dry Goods Company as a salesman (Southern Utah territory) and later managed the ready-to-wear department. He descends from a long line of Whittaker craftsmen and perfectionists who created lasting beauty. He had a keen mind and could repair anything with precision and exactness. Dale enjoyed family gatherings, coin and stamp collecting, travel and the beauty of the world including birds, sunsets and airplane contrails. He maintained undeviating integrity and a strong work ethic. He was a true gentleman -- always respectful, aware and mindful of other's needs. Dale was thoughtful and generous in offering aid to family and friends. He endured to the end with exemplary courage, humor, and a sweetness and power of love that has imparted strength to family members and friends. Dale is preceded in death by wife Gloria; daughter Susan; parents and siblings. He is survived by children Steven and Nancy; six grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Friday, December 19 at 12:00 p.m. at the East Mill Creek 9th Ward, 3750 South Hillside Lane where also a viewing will be held Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and again Friday from 10:00 to 11:45 a.m. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. A special thanks to Tiffany Clarke at Select Home Care; Dr. Mark A. Johnston; Becky Price, RN and Kathleen Reesner, LPN of Summit Home Health and Hospice for their kind and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation in Dale's name to the University of Utah College of Nursing Scholarship Fund or Alzheimer's Association.
