Gene O Whitteberry, 84, of Mentone, and formerly of Walkerton, died at 10:35 a.m. July 18, 2013, in Hickory Creek, Rochester. He was born Aug. 12, 1928, in Stockwell, to Wesley and Bertha Mae Crose Whitteberry. On Aug. 8, 1973, in Walkerton, he married Irene Gouker Place, who died Dec. 25, 1983. He was a process engineer for Torrington, South Bend, retiring in 1982. He graduated from Walkerton High School in 1946, then served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He furthered his education at the Allied School of Mechanical Trade, Chicago, Ill. He attended Mentone United Methodist Church and was a member of the Masonic Lodge 266 of North Liberty, and the Scottish Rite of South Bend. Surviving are three daughters: Roxann (and spouse Ronnie) Drake, Walkerton; Norma (and spouse Charles) Sobieralski, Koontz Lake; and Tammy Stoneburner, Mentone; a brother, Harold Whitteberry, Hoffman Estates, Ill.; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He also was preceded in death by two sisters, Helen and Mildred, and three brothers, twin brother Dean, Bob and Elmer. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Mentone United Methodist Church, 116 E. Main St., Mentone, officiated by the Rev. Amber Karkosky-Litten. Burial will be at 1:45 p.m. Saturday at Woodlawn Cemetery, Walkerton. Calling is from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church. King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone, is in charge of arrangements. ***** Memorials may be made to Mentone United Methodist Church; Hickory Creek, Rochester; or the Center for Hospice. Condolence may be sent via www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com
