Theodore R. Whiting, 80, of Fond du Lac, formerly of Oshkosh, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at Touchstone Living Center in North Fond du Lac. He was born September 6, 1931 in Milwaukee, the youngest child of Roy and Phoebe (Kingsbury) Whiting, raised in Oak Park, IL and Cedar Rapids, IA. He graduated from Franklin High School, Cedar Rapids, received his bachelors degree from University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, and then served two years in the U.S. Army. He later received both his masters and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Iowa, Iowa City. Dr. Whiting taught more than 10,000 students during his career, including alien dependents of military personnel at Fort Riley, KS, elementary and junior high school students in Rochester, MN and Riverside, IA. Further, while working on his masters and doctorate in special education at Iowa U, he taught students in every area of special education at the university’s Child Development Clinic. He served as a psychologist for the Washington County, IA schools and later was Psychological Consultant for the Iowa Department of Public Instruction. He was Director of Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services for the Davenport, IA public schools before joining the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh as Assistant Professor of Special Education in 1966. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 1968 and Professor in 1972. During his 28 years at UW-O, Professor Whiting served in a variety of positions including, Director of the Mental Retardation Program, developer and coordinator of the Special Education Sophomore Practicum, one of the first programs in the nation. He secured with CESA #6 grant monies to establish and maintain the Special Education Instructional Materials Center, and served on the Center’s Board of Directors. He was also Chairman of the Special Education Department for many years. Further, he belonged to several professional organizations, including both the Wisconsin and National Councils for Exceptional Children, Division of Teacher Education, and the Council for Administrators of Special Education. He was named Professor Emeritus upon his retirement in 1994. Dr. Whiting’s interests included his family, reading, the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, college football and basketball teams, camping, boating, swimming, waterskiing, fishing, and after retiring traveling around the country in his motor home. Dr. Whiting is survived by his former wife, Winifred Jones of Fond du Lac and their four children: Catherine (Bradley) Reed, Oshkosh, Barbara Hoffman, North Fond du Lac, Laura (Richard) Clark, Gurnee, IL, and Michael (Maria) Whiting, Menasha, three grandchildren, four step grandchildren, one great grandchild, and six step great grandchildren. Further, he is survived by his brother James (Darlene) Whiting, Cedarburg, WI, sister Donna Hillemann, Burnsville, MN, and sister-in-law Helen Whiting, Waunakee, WI, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert, and a brother-in-law Henry (Bud) Hillemann. At his request, cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life with a light luncheon will be held at Robbins Restaurant, 1810 Omro Road in Oshkosh on Saturday, January 7 from 1-3 pm. The family wishes to thank Deb Mienk, Touchstone Living Center, Above and Beyond Care Solutions, Adult Care Consultants, Heartland Hospice, and everyone who touched his life. The Twohig Funeral Home of Fond du Lac is assisting the family. www.twohigfunerals.com
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