Orville H. Whithaus

Orville H. Whithaus, age 92, of Eureka, formerly of Chamois, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at Bethesda Meadow in Ellisville.

Orville was born on November 19, 1930, in Morrison, a son to the late Edward Henry and Clara Marie (Whertvine) Whithaus.

Orville attended Wittenbach School.  He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, where he served as a medic. 

On January 26, 1952, he was united in marriage to Amondalene “Monda” Gerloff, who preceded him in death on February 22, 2019.

Orville was employed at Fulton Bag Company in St. Louis until he was transferred to Jacksonville, Ar., where he worked for Stone Container Company as a supervisor on the 2^nd shift. He retired in 1992 and moved to Chamois where he lived for approximately 25 years.  He then moved into Victorian Gardens, a senior independent living community in Eureka.

He was a member of the Chamois United Methodist Church and the Chamois Lions Club.  He loved his family dearly and would do anything he could for them.  He also loved animals and they loved him back!

Orville enjoyed going fishing with his buddy Bob while living in Arkansas and having fish fries at family reunions.  He loved to travel as often as possible and going to Branson at least once a year.  He also loved being outdoors.    

Orville is survived by his in-laws, Dorothalene Mowery of Ellisville, Patricia Gerloff of Chamois and Roger Gerloff and his wife Shirley of Chamois; he was blessed to have Leslie Miller come into his life and considered her his adopted granddaughter, her husband Drew and a great granddaughter, Landry.  He also has numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife of 67 years, Orville was preceded in death by four brothers, Melvin J. Whithaus (Kathryn), Edward A. Witthaus (Josephine), Clarence L. Whithaus, and Benjamin F. Whithaus (Loretta); one sister, Gunelda S. Vehleweld (Hubert); his in-laws, Josephine Witthaus, Erelene Traschel, Helen Murphy, Sharon Pemberton, Brenda Brandt, Raymond Gerloff, Leo Gerloff, Sr., and Dorsia Gerloff.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 24, 2023, at Chamois United Methodist Church in Chamois with a Funeral Service to follow at 12:30 p.m. with Rev. Sabra Paulsmeyer officiating.  Interment with Full Military Honors will follow in the Good Hope Cemetery in Morrison.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Chamois United Methodist Church or the Chamois Lions Club. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel in Chamois, (573-763-5522)

www.mortonchapel.com