Michael K. Whitaker

Michael K. Whitaker, 71, of St. Anne, passed away on Friday, September 22, 2023, at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital. He was born on December 24, 1951, in Kankakee, the son of Doyle and Marian (Themer) Whitaker. On February 14, 1981, he married Laurel Rahn at Zion Lutheran Church, Chebanse. Michael worked at Bradley Ropers until it closed. He later worked as an independent carrier for the Kankakee Daily Journal for 23 years, delivering papers on a rural route. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Laurel; two daughters, Michele (Chris) Noel and Christie (Jim) Cordes; two sons, Kenneth (Kimberly) Whitaker and Tyler Whitaker; 9 grandchildren, Brenden, Marshall, and Dylan Noel, Alyssa, Cody, Dalton, and Brayden Cordes, Lukas and Maxwell Whitaker; 7 great grandchildren and one on the way. Michael is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, a sister, and his son-in-law. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 28, 2023, from 4pm to 7pm at Jensen Funeral Home, Kankakee. Cremation rites will be accorded after services. Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family.