JoAnne L. Whitman

JoAnne L. Whitman, (Bjornson), of Midland, passed away Saturday November 22, 2014 at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, age 81. The daughter of the late Trygve & Hannah (Christofferson) Bjornson, she was born August 3, 1933 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mrs. Whitman was the youngest of three children. She grew up in Minnesota, where she enjoyed learning music and was very active in her church, Augustana Lutheran Church. She was an avid piano player and teacher. Mrs. Whitman received her bachelors degree in Occupational Therapy from The University of Minnesota. She worked as an OT in California and Michigan until she started her family in 1969. Besides her parents, JoAnne was also preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Dr. Ross M. Whitman, whom she married on November 25, 1964. She is survived by their two children, Jason (Julie) Whitman of Canton, MI and Kathy (Joe) Benchley of Midland; eight grandchildren, Braelynn, Lucas, Gabrielle and Christopher Whitman and Samantha, Nathan, Austin and Megyn Benchley; two brothers, James (Nona) Bjornson, Col. (Ret.) Donald (the late Stella) Bjornson; and several nieces & nephews. It was Mrs. Whitman's desire that cremation take place. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. For those who desire to make a monetary contribution in Mrs. Whitman's name, you are asked to please consider The March of Dimes or the Salvation Army. www.gephartfuneralhome.com