1-888-579-7953 Code: 74804P

Joseph Vernon Whiting, age 78, of Ely passed peacefully Thursday, July 16, 2009 at St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 19, 1930 in Kingston, MN the son of William and Lyyli (Salmela) Whiting. He attended school in Kingston and graduated from Ely High School. He was married to Helen Niemi on June 17, 1950 in Ely.

Joe worked as a heavy equipment operator in the Zenith, Erie, and Reserve Mining Companies – retiring in 1977. He was a member of the Masonic Lodges in Tower and Ely. Joe made friends with nearly everyone, and he especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a trapper, enjoyed fishing, hunting, and dancing to polka music with Helen.

Joe is survived by his wife: Helen; two sons: Richard (Kelly) Whiting and Jerome (Brenda) Whiting both of Ely; three daughters: Sharon (William) Dimich of Babbitt, Diane (Paul) Myers of Ely, and Julie (Dave) Rhein of Winton; 11 grandchildren: Bruce Craig, Joey, Brock, LeAnn, Jennifer, Marissa, Andrea, Marlayna, April, and Triston; five great-grandchildren: Morgan, Bobby, Jade, Aaylah, and Breckyn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers: Mathew and Robert.

At Joe's request a private gathering to celebrate his life will be held at a later date.

Family services are provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Virginia. To leave remembrances of Joe on-line please see www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

Facts

Born: July 19, 1930
Place of Birth: Kingston, MN
Death: July 16, 2009
Place of Death: St. Mary's Medical Center
Occupation: Heavy Equipment Operator
Hobbies: Trapper, Fishing, Hunting, Dancing to polka music with Helen.
Organizations: Member of Masonic Lodges in Tower & Ely

Services Per Decedent's Request - No Formal Services will be held