Obituary of Nathan Edward Whipple

Nathan Edward Whipple was born on February 9, 1953 in Toledo, Ohio. He was one of five children born from the union of the late Norman Emery Whipple and the late Betty Jane (Barnes) Whipple. Nathan enlisted in the United States Navy in October of 1972 where he served as a Ships Serviceman aboard the USS Schenectady, USS1185. He took great pride in serving his country and made many friends while enlisted, earning him the nickname “Baby Beachball” by his fellow servicemen. He stayed with the United States Navy until he was honorably discharged in October of 1976.

Nathan married the love of his life, Paula Jean Bialy on March 29, 1974. From this union came the birth of three beautiful children. In his younger years, he went to Culinary School and became the first head chef at Norman Towers. He was a chef by trade and a driver by necessity. To support his family, he worked as a trucker for many years starting out at JB Hunts until he became employed by Churchill in Detroit.

He had a great passion for traveling. His job and being in the military allowed him to visit every state, excluding Alaska. To check this off his list, he took a trip with his brother just recently. Nathan was prankster and always enjoyed a good time. He always looked forward to spending time with his family and friends, listening to classic Rock, playing Poker (though he wasn’t great at it), playing euchre with his wife and close friends: Sue and Ralph and playing competitive Uno with the family.

Nathan Edward Whipple, age 64, of Monroe, passed away at 1:21 pm November 3, 2017 at Promedica Monroe Regional Hospital surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his daughter Cynthia, his parents, his sister Nancy Sparks, five nephews and his father-in-law.

To cherish his memory, he leaves behind his wife of 43 years, Paula Whipple; his children: Julie (David) Ramsey, Greg Whipple and the late Cynthia (Billy) Furlan; his grandchildren: James, Haleigh, Dominic and Lacey; his sister: Norma Blevins; his brothers: Neil Whipple and Norman Whipple and many extended family members and friends.

Friends may gather from 2:00 -8:00 pm on Thursday, November 9 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734)384-5185 where a Military Honors Service will take place at 7:00pm with the Monroe VFW to officiate. In accordance with his wishes, cremation will take place following the services. Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration for the family, share a photo or send a floral tribute by visiting www. merklefs.com