Doris Jane (Kelsey) Whitney

Whitney, Doris Jane (Kelsey) MADISON - Doris Whitney, age 83, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2007. Doris was born on July 16, 1923, in Abbotsford, Wis. She attended Abbotsford High School, where she competed academically and in music and forensics. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for a semester before transferring to Kahler School of Nursing, a Mayo Clinic affiliate in Rochester, Minn., to pursue her true love, nursing. As a registered nurse, she served in several hospitals in Wausau, Madison and Milwaukee. She also worked at Lasata Nursing Home in Cedarburg and served as a volunteer for the Hospice program in Naples, Fla. and Hot Springs Village, Ark. Doris was married in December 1946, to Claude Whitney of Colby, Wis. The couple moved to Badger Village, Wis. and she worked at Wisconsin General Hospital for three years while her husband was pursuing a degree at the University of Wisconsin. On occasion, she felt it necessary to remind him that "she put him through school." They moved to Milwaukee in 1950 and lived there until 1988. Daughter, Gale, arrived in 1951 and son, Brad, in 1957. Doris excelled as "super mom," not only at teaching and caring, but serving as Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts leader when the kids were involved. She also served as Ozaukee County Chairman of the American Cancer Society. An accomplished seamstress, Doris made clothes, drapes, bedspreads, etc. She was an excellent cook and her paintings and needlework adorn the homes of her children. An outdoor enthusiast, she especially loved the water, spending countless hours in Green Bay waters teaching friends, mainly children, to water ski. Of course, she was very good at it herself. After retirement, the family maintained homes in Door County and Naples, Fla. In 1994, they moved to Hot Springs Village, Ark., which served as home base for their motor home, in which they explored most of the U.S. In 2005, they moved to Madison. Married in a Presbyterian Church, she was a member of Presbyterian or Methodist churches in each place they lived. Doris is survived by her husband of 60 years, Claude "Bud" Whitney; a daughter, Gale (Garry) Bahe of Merrimac; a son, Brad (Michelle) Whitney of Pueblo, Colo.; five grandchildren, Nate (Megan) Bahe, Zak Bahe, Josh Bahe, Sarah Whitney and Grant Whitney; a sister, Betty LaFond; a sister-in-law, Meredyth Kelsey; a sister-in-law, Audrey (Bernie) Laabs and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, George A. and Agnes (Robersen) Kelsey and a brother, Jack Kelsey. Funeral services will be held at the GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 19, 2007, with the Rev. Dr. David J. Berggren presiding. Family and friends may call on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 8317 Elderberry Road, Madison, WI 53717. Doris pleasant smile, happy voice and upbeat attitude were an inspiration to all who knew and loved her. She has enriched all our lives. The world is better because she was here. Gunderson West Funeral and Cremation Center 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761 www.gundersonfh.com