David M Whitton

David Martin Whitton, born in Waukegan, IL passed away on October 10, 2024 at the age of 74, after a courageous battle with cancer. The fourth of eight children, Dave enjoyed a rich childhood in a loving neighborhood. He excelled academically and athletically at Carmel High School before graduating from St. Norbert College in 1972, where he met his beloved Betsy (Maribeth) Gagnon. They were married on September 8, 1973, and built a wonderful life in Green Bay, raising their two cherished children, Matthew and Kristin.

Dave and Betsy embraced the beauty of Northeastern Wisconsin, enjoying family camping trips, skiing adventures, and travels across the country and beyond. Their shared love for sports, school events, and outdoor activities created lasting memories.

A natural leader and dedicated volunteer, Dave made significant contributions to his community. He coached youth soccer, basketball, and track at St. Bernard School, positively impacting countless young lives. He was also active with St. Vincent de Paul, Boy Scouts, various parent-teacher organizations and the Optimist Club and Knights of Columbus, where he served as President and Grand Knight. Dave especially loved volunteering every Saturday at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion. He became part of a new family at the Shrine, a place that he truly loved and that changed his life in many special ways.

An avid runner, Dave participated in over twenty Bellin 10K runs and later found camaraderie at the East Side YMCA. His “Y” friends became family and he loved exercising and visiting with them over the years. Dave was so thankful for his great instructors and teammates. They meant the world to him. 

Throughout his career, Dave contributed to the construction supply industry, growing exponentially Distributors Construction Supply, the company he co-owned with brothers-in-law, Bert and Paul, and later transitioning to Lincoln Contractors Supply after a company acquisition. He served for 39 years, becoming a trusted partner to contractors, municipalities, and manufacturers across northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Dave and Betsy shared a beautiful 51-year marriage, navigating life’s ups and downs together. Their bond was a testament to their love, which flourished into a family filled with joy. Dave is survived by Betsy, their son Matthew (Jen) and their children Maggie, Ollie, Lulu, and Bea; and daughter Kristin (Alex) and their children Charlie and Rosee. He also leaves behind his siblings: Sue (John) Ingraham, Bill Whitton, Linda (Bob) Wilkins, Barbara (Bill) Harrah, Carol (Mario) Dovalina, Bob (Cheri) Whitton, and Peg Whitton, as well as in-laws Bert (Kathy) Gagnon and Joe (Mary) Gagnon, numerous nieces and nephews, and countless dear friends.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, William and Caroline Whitton, and Betsy’s parents, Joe and Annette Gagnon, as well as brother-in-law Paul Gagnon, sister-in-law Lynn Gagnon, and nephew Bob Wilkins.

Visitation at St Bernard Catholic Church, 2040 Hillside Ln., FRIDAY, October 18, from 9 AM until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11 AM.