John H. Whittaker, age 87, of Washington, Iowa died Monday, December 2, 2013. He had been failing in health from Parkinson's disease for several years.

Mass of the Resurrection will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 6, 2013 at St. James Catholic Church in Washington with Father Troy Richmond officiating. Visitation will begin noon Thursday at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Thursday evening. A prayer service will begin at 7:00 Thursday evening. Interment with military honors conducted by Washington American Legion Post 29 will take place at the Elm Grove Cemetery. A memorial has been established for the Washington Fire Department. Online condolences may be sent for John's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com .

John Henry Whittaker was born on August 9, 1926 in Washington, Iowa the son of Martin and Martha (Joyce) Whittaker. He graduated from Washington High School and attended Saint Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa. John served in World War II in the United States Army and then served in the Reserves. On October 5, 1950 he married Myrna Plavets in Marshalltown, Iowa.

John farmed and then worked as a printing press operator at McCleery Cummings until his retirement. John was also a volunteer fireman and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. John loved fishing, boating, golfing, and the Washington Demons.

Surviving are his wife Myrna; son Mike Whittaker of Washington, Iowa; son Pat Whittaker of Phoenix, Arizona; daughter Annette Fritz and husband Bob of Washington, Iowa; son David Whittaker of Gainesboro, Tennessee; daughter Mary Whittaker of Washington, Iowa; seven grandchildren: Linda Fritz of Iowa City, Iowa; Sara Fritz of Chicago, Illinois; Jason Whittaker and wife Minerva, of Twenty Nine Palms, California; Kyle Whittaker of Arroyo Grande, California; Jeff Whittaker of Memphis, Tennessee; Johnathan Whittaker of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; and Kari Beth Whittaker of Memphis, Tennessee; three great-grandchildren: Max Hill and Luke Fritz of Iowa City, Iowa and Penelope Whittaker of Twenty Nine Palms, California; sister Martha Mosier of Westville, Indiana; nephew Mitch Mosier and niece Molly (Mosier) Wozniack of LaPorte, Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Harry L. Whittaker, and niece Mary Mosier Hoagland.