Brett Whitenack, 60, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer on Sunday, June 18, 2023, surrounded by family at Ascension Via Christi-St. Francis RMC, Wichita. Brett worked full time as a Curator and Director of Daily Operations for the McPherson Museum since 1997.
Brett was born on February 22, 1963, in Wichita, KS, the son of William “Bill” H. and Ina Jane (Berry) Whitenack. Brett graduated from McPherson High School in 1981 and later furthered his education at McPherson College, graduating in 2009, with degrees in Biology and Philosophy/Religion.
On November 26, 1983, Brett was united in marriage to Jeanne Horn in McPherson, KS. This union was blessed with two children, Jake and Bethany.
Since 1980, he was a member of the McPherson Gem & Mineral Club and currently was the web master and historian. He was the Vice President of the Kansas Academy of Science. He attained membership to the Honor Society of the Tri-Beta Biological Science Iota Chapter in 2008. He worked with 4-H Clubs by attending rock field trips and gave talks about rocks and fossils to the schools and clubs around the McPherson area. For many years, he led tours at the McPherson Museum for school kids. Brett received the Burkholder Research Award from McPherson College for outstanding achievement in student research in the Natural Sciences.
Survivors include: his loving wife of 39 years, Jeanne of the home; a son, Jake (Sarah) Whitenack of McPherson, KS; a daughter, Bethany (Josh) Flemming of Lawrence, KS; three grandchildren, Curtis Landrum, Cali Whitenack, and Crew Whitenack, all of McPherson, KS; his father, Bill Whitenack of Shawnee, KS; a brother, Stuart (Jeannie) Whitenack of Olathe, KS; sister-in-law, Julie (Bob) Feurer; brothers-in-law, Alan (Bonnie) Horn and Tim Horn; nieces & nephews, Olivia Whitenack, Cade, Courtney & Bram Feurer, Erin & Brandon Van Burkleo, Andrea Horn, Kelsey Horn, Seth Horn, Adam Horn, and Kyle Horn; and many loving cousins and their families and many, many friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Jane Whitenack.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the McPherson Museum with Rev. Kathryn Whitacre officiating. The final resting place will be at the Monticello Cemetery in Shawnee, KS.
Memorial donations may be given to the McPherson Museum & Arts Foundation or McPherson Gem & Mineral Club in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.stockhamfamily.com.