Donald Wayne Whitney

Donald Wayne Whitney, 74, died Sunday, January 26, 2014 from complications of Parkinson’s Disease in Apex, NC. Born in Weyauwega, Wisconsin on January 30, 1939, he was the son of the late Gilbert Freeman and Edith (Farley) Whitney. He spent most of his youth in Neenah, WI, but moved to Milwaukee, WI, where he graduated from UW-Milwaukee in 1965 with a degree in chemistry. While obtaining his degree, he met his wife, Olga, in one of the chemistry lab classes they attended.

Schlitz Brewing Company hired him as a laboratory brewing chemist in R&D and quality control. After Stroh Brewing Co. purchased Schlitz, Don was transferred to Stroh’s Detroit headquarters where he continued working until he retired at age 55. He was a lifetime member of the American Society of Brewing Chemists.

Mr. Whitney is survived by his wife, Olga (nee Klein); daughter, Cynthia (Charles) Black; son, Michael (Kendra) Whitney; a sister, Mae Ulrich of Neenah, WI; 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He was preceded in death by daughter, Karen Ann; brother, James; sisters, Ruth Weitz and Beverly Tessen.

Family will receive friends from 6-8 pm, Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W. Williams St, Apex, NC. A memorial service will be held at 6:30 pm, with a reception following.

Any memorial donations will be contributed to National Parkinson’s Foundation, 1501 NW 9th Ave, Miami, FL 33136. www.parkinson.org