Richard W. Whitney

Richard W. Whitney, age 84, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025. Born in Kansas City, Kansas on February 9, 1941, he was the first child of the late Margaret Lucille (nee Titus) Whitney and Wayne C. Whitney. He was preceded in death by his only sibling, Diana (Frank) Reiser.

Dick was the beloved husband of Elizabeth (nee Flebbe) Whitney for 58 years. Together they raised two wonderful daughters, Christina (Richard) Troyer and the late Tamara (Thomas) White, who preceded her father in death on April 5, 2024. Dick was the proud grandfather of Grace, John, Ben, and Clara Troyer; and Austin, Liam, and Thomas White. He was the dear uncle of Vanessa Roach and Alexandra Roach, and Greg (Annemarie) Reiser and Joanie Reiser.

When Dick was six years old, his family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where his father was an assistant professor at the University of Nebraska. After graduating from high school in 1959, Dick enrolled at the University of Nebraska. After two years, he left the university to enlist in the United States Marine Corps and served for three years of active duty. After receiving an honorable discharge from the USMC, he returned to the University of Nebraska, where he met his wife, Elizabeth.

Dick’s career in advertising took the family to Houston, where he first started jogging. Jogging evolved into running and a life-long passion for long distance running. With it came life-long friendships with fellow runners. Over the years, Dick ran multiple marathons and ultra 50 mile marathons. His proudest achievement was completing the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run in Olympic Valley, California.

Eventually, his career brought Dick back to the Midwest, and the family moved to Arlington Heights, where he and Elizabeth have remained for over 43 years. As age caught up with him, Dick had to give up running, so he turned to his military past and joined the Arlington Heights American Legion post 208. He became a member of the color guard and took great pride in honoring older veterans and meeting their families.

Dick will be remembered for his quick wit, boundless creativity, and strong character. He will be greatly missed.