Service Details
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm on Thursday July 18th, 2019 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 614 Main Street, Racine, WI; visitation will begin at 2:00 pm. The Rev. Seth Raymond will officiate. Entombment will be at West Lawn Memorial Park on Friday, July 19th, 2019 at 10:00 am. Please meet in the cemetery driveway to process to the site.
William D. Whitnall, 77, passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2019 following a long illness. Bill was born June 30, 1942 in Waukesha, WI to Robert H. and Jeanne (Dalton) Whitnall. After some early years in Clinton, IA, the family moved to Beaver Dam, WI where Bill graduated H.S and went on to pursue a law degree from UW-Madison. He moved to Racine in 1968 and worked in the Public Defender’s Office. Following a number of years, he said he finally found a rewarding career as a special education teacher at Case H.S, retiring in 2013. Bill is survived by two children, Nathan Whitnall of Seattle, WA and Renee Whitnall (Todd Serpe) of Racine, two grandchildren, step-children, nieces, nephews and the love of his life, Barbara Mayfield, whom he wed in 2005.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, one nephew, two sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law.
Pamela D. Stowe says
With deepest sympathy.
Mary Pietsch Graham says
My sincerest condolences to the family. It has been years since I have had any contact with Mr. Whitnall or the family, but I have fond memories of them. I used to babysit the kids many years ago, shortly after they moved to Racine. Again, I am sorry for your loss.
Brenda Whitnall Wierschke says
Sending our most sincere condolences and much love,
Gil and Brenda Wierschke
Cheryl Nunn says
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Whitnall’s passing. I will ALWAYS be grateful for this man’s kindness shown to my son while he was in high school and I told him each and every time I saw him. Long story short….my son was on a path to not completing high school. I do not know what Mr. Whitnall said or did, but whatever it was lit a fire under my son and he became determined to finish on time and he did. I truly feel that without his help, my son wouldn’t have finished. May you rest in peace, you will never be forgotten.
Dorothy & Carla Dixon says
Our deepest sympathy and condolences for your family at this time. Bill will always be remembered for his quick smile and joy at the family picnics.
Nancy DeMarco says
Dear Barbara,
So very sorry to hear of your lose. My prayers are with you at this very sad time in your life and always.
Love,
Nancy DeMarco
John Miller says
As a new law grad, Bill was my first mentor. He treated every case, every client, with sincerity. He worked hard. Most of his workdays didn’t end until after 8 PM, and then he would ask each of us about the cases we had handled that day, and about those on the docket the next day. He laughed freely and often. His smile warmed the room. I have missed him since I left the public defender’s office in 1977.
Carah Anne Pease-Nelson says
With deepest sympathy goes to all of billys family, it has been so long that I spoke to him, I stumbled on his obituary my mother worked with him through the mid 80s and 90s my mother Charlann Nelson ( Charlie) spoke of her friend often. I myself as a child along her ride learned a lot in those offices in monument square lol. Thank for the memories I do have..