Jean Gendler Whitson, 74, of Bay Lake died on July 16, 2009, at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago, Ill., as a result of diabetes while traveling with her daughter-in-law, Teresa.
She was born on July 3, 1935, in Albert Lea to Joe and Dorothy (Wright) Gendler. She married Gilbert Sidney Whitson on June 14,1953, in Albert Lea. Jean was a member of the C-1 Presbyterian Church, Crosby and frequently sang with the choir. Jean loved to travel, dance and volunteer. She was a long time participant in the Geritol Frolics and anything and everything to do with “Just for Kix.” She was also very active in all aspects of the Crow Wing County and Minnesota DFL. She was once recognized as the Crow Wing County Volunteer of the Month. Her most active volunteer work was done at the Crow Wing County Fair, Crow Wing County Museum, Crossing Arts Alliance, R.S.V.P. and Minneapolis Institute of the Arts. She was a graduate of Albert Lea High School. She is survived by her husband, Gil; three sons: Scott (Teresa) Whitson of Red Wing, Kent (Trudi) Whitson of Bloomington, Eric (Denise) Whitson of Purcellville, Va.; one daughter, Marisa (Kevin) Sublette of Doylestown, Pa.; eight grandchildren: Drew, Gwen, Chad, Joe, Sarah, Ellie, Max Whitson and Jacob “Carl” Greenlund; two great grandchildren: Alayna and Tirzah.
She is preceded in death by her sister, Joyce Baltzell.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. on Friday at the Crosby-lronton Presbyterian Church in Crosby. Friends may call one hour prior to the services. Arrangements are with the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.