Jack L. Whitten

Jack L. Whitten, 88, a resident of Fairfield, passed away, Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City due to complications with diabetes.

Graveside services celebrating his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 14, 2025 at Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield with Pastor Frosty Van Voorst officiating. Memorials may be made to the family in care of 1708-C Linden Dr. Fairfield, Iowa 52556. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Jack was born March 18, 1937 in Packwood, the son of Marion and Mabel (Nordeen) Whitten. He graduated from Packwood High School in 1954. Jack married Patricia McGuire, April 4, 1959 at Sacred Heart Church in Ottumwa. They recently celebrated their 66th anniversary.

Jack worked for the Iowa D.O.T. from 1954-1964 and then owned and operated Jack’s market in Packwood from 1964-1967. He then worked for Jefferson County as an assistant engineer until his retirement in 1999. Jack and Pat were foster parents for 33 years.

Those left to honor his memory include his beloved wife of 66 years, Pat Whitten; daughter, Lynn (Dan) Kane of Fairfield; grandchildren, Travis (Reesa) Starr of Fairfield, Taylor (Amber) Starr of Riverside, Iowa, and Dalton (Jess) Kane of Coralville; great-grandchildren, Axl and Corbin Starr, Bentley and Winston Starr, and Baby Girl Kane on the way; step-grandchildren, Kadie (Mike) Archer of Griffin, Georgia, and David (Alex) Kane of Libertyville; and step-great-grandchildren, Alizabeth and Jaycie Archer.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Laura Starr; son, Timothy Whitten; brothers, Chick, Bob, Ev, and Gib Whitten; and sisters, Dorothy Hahn and Alberta Condon.