Gordon Rulien Whitener

Gordon Rulien Whitener, 85, long time Moses Lake resident, passed away at his home Monday July 27, 2009.

Gordon was born April 26, 1924 in Quincy, WA, at home, to Paul and Mildred (Rulien) Whitener. He was the oldest of their two children, the youngest, his sister Pauline.

Gordon spent his younger years in Quincy enjoying, of course, pretty girls and fast cars. Fortunately, his family owned the Whitener Brothers Ford Garage in downtown Quincy and you would find “Gordie” out cruising around on a Saturday night with the prettiest girls in the nicest cars. He was proud of that! Almost as proud as he was of his Quincy Jack Rabbits. All thru high school Gordon loved playing basketball and claimed he was the tallest guy on the team. We checked, he was #2.

“Gordie” graduated class of 1943 – a proud Quincy Jack Rabbit.

He worked for his grandfather on the family farm for a few years and also drove truck for Cedar Greens. In later years he worked for Lamb Weston, U&I Sugar and in 1974 he went to work for Carnation Co. where he eventually retired in May 1992.

Gordon met the love of his life in 1960, Hazel Arlen Cox, on a blind date. Life was never the same again.

After a couple years of courtship and making her sick of root beer, they eloped to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and were married January 6, 1962. They eventually settled in Moses Lake.

 Gordon and Hazel were blessed again with their daughters Stephanie, Karla and Laurel. The light of their lives.

 Gordon was a league bowler and had many trophies to show for his success. He enjoyed any sports, any time, any where. And of course, his girls.

 Gordon was a simple man, easy going and friendly. He sure loved his friends at McDonald’s. These guys started his days with friendship and meaning and ended it with support and care for one another. Gordon was the only man we knew who would go to any restaurant (especially McDonald’s) and order a T-bone steak!

 He never really worried about too much, and what a blessing that was, for him and for all of us. We will miss you, Dad.

 Gordon is survived by his daughters, all of Moses Lake. Stephanie (Ted) Sisich and their children, USMC Sgt. John Gordon Sisich and Jerilyn Marie Sisich, Lane Karla (Kenny) Storwick and their children Christian, Joey, Axel and Abbigayle Storwick, and Laurel (Doug Berreth) Whitener and his children Thaydra (Todd) Claunch and Denae Suhr. He is also survived by his cousins Fred, Donald, Keith and Leroy Whitener and by his brother-in-law Harold Glenn Cox of Lynwood, WA, and his sister-in-law Beverly(Marvin) Struble of Turin, IA.

 He is proceeded in death by his loving wife of 30 years, Hazel, his parents and sister Pauline Dierkop.

 Memorial services will be held Friday, July 31, at 10 a.m., at The Church Of Christ, 808 E. Sharon Ave., Moses Lake, with Pastor Merrill Spence Officiating.

Arrangements are in care of Kayser’s Chapel & Crematory, Moses Lake. You may sign the guest book or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com.