John Thurston Whiting

Passed away on August 22, 2011. He was 62. He is survived by his wife Mary Olen, his mother Mavis Crist Whiting, his sisters Laura (Scott) Strehlow and Kathryn (Bob) Whiting, Mary's son Kevin (Marina) Leiske, and three children, Benjamin, Sarah and Margaret. He is also survived by three loving nephews and countless other friends and family. He is predeceased by his father Kenneth Whiting. John was born November 18, 1948 to Mavis and Kenneth Whiting in Fargo, North Dakota. An eagle scout in his youth, John later attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, and Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee, WI. After moving to Wisconsin in 1971, John spent the rest of his life as an ideal father and loving husband, dear son and brother, unwavering friend and confidant, consummate counselor and role model. After 30 years as an attorney with Quarles & Brady, John retired to focus on his lifelong passion for woodworking. For the past ten years, John and Mary have designed and crafted beautiful furniture as MoJo Woodworks, creating invaluable pieces for those lucky enough to have their unique works in their homes. When away from the workshop, John's insightful nature and loving warmth served as the cornerstone of support for so many people he cared for deeply. His sense of humor and understanding were matched only by his kindness, curiosity, and love of life. He embodied joie de vivre, and will be sorely missed.Friends and family will celebrate John's life at the family home on Saturday, August 27 at 1:00 PM. A period for sharing remarks will be at 2:30 pm. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation: <a href="http://www.jdrf.org" target="_blank">www.jdrf.org</a>