Loren "Buck" Whitver

Loren "Buck" Whitver

West Union

Loren “Buck” Whitver, 98, of West Union, Iowa, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 2:00 pm, at the United Methodist Church in West Union, Iowa, with Pastor Mee Kang officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 13, from 3:00-6:00 pm, and on Saturday, one hour prior to the service.

Loren Keith Whitver, the son of Roy Whitver and Edith (Seaman) Whitver, was born on April 8, 1927, in Carroll, Iowa, and was the youngest of twelve children. He began his life from humble beginnings on a small farm outside Jefferson, Iowa and attended Bristol #8 County School. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1945 and shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly served his country while stationed in the Philippines post–World War II, until his honorable discharge in 1947.

In 1949, Buck enrolled at Upper Iowa University, where he became an all-star four-year letterman on the football team, playing under the legendary coach Dr. John “Doc” Dorman. It was during this time that the nickname “Buck,” earned in his youth, became firmly cemented due to his football prowess. While at Upper Iowa, he met the love of his life, Alice “Mona” (Jensen) of West Union. In 1952, Buck graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education, with minors in History and Biology.

On May 4, 1952, Buck and Mona were married and began their life together in Jefferson, Iowa. Soon after, Buck started his career in education with coaching (football and wrestling) and teaching stops in Postville, Colfax, and Bloomfield.

In 1965, Buck began a new career as a Jostens yearbook representative, and he and Mona moved to her hometown of West Union. He spent the next 27 years covering all of northeast Iowa. His gregarious and warm personality made him exceptionally well-suited for sales, and he enjoyed a long and successful career before retiring in 1992.

Throughout most of his life, Buck was an avid and accomplished golfer. He learned the game at age 26 from a fellow athlete and good friend, and passed his love of golf on to his wife, children, and grandchildren. Buck was fortunate to play many of the world’s great courses throughout the United States, Scotland, and Ireland, including the Old Course at St. Andrews, Turnberry, Royal Portrush, and Old Head.

Despite these wonderful experiences, Buck often said his favorite rounds were those spent with family and friends, both in northeast Iowa and during 28 winters spent in retirement in Orange Beach, Alabama. There, his outgoing personality shone as he organized a senior golf group, connecting fellow retirees and fostering long-lasting friendships. Buck played golf into his nineties and routinely shot scores far below his age. He frequently encouraged seniors to “not give up on golfing,” believing it was one of the keys to staying active and healthy. Buck also set an excellent example for his family by continuing to religiously visit the gym to lift weights and exercise. He was one of the oldest members of Anytime Fitness in West Union.

Buck was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Edith Whitver; his wife, Mona, in 2015; his son, Mark, in 2017; brothers Morris, Paul, Ralph, Albert, Max, Don, Howard, and Robert; and sisters Marian Keller, Florence Tichy, and Hazel Rasmussen.

He is survived by his daughter, Marcia (John) Savage of Little Rock, Arkansas; his son, Chris (Jeannine) Whitver of Madison, Mississippi; four granddaughters, Johanna, Erica, Lauren (Dylan) Gatewood, and Anna Grace; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Gunderson Palmer Lutheran/ Emplify Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the West Union Park and Recreation Center.