Marian Rose Whitney

Marian Rose Whitney, 92, formerly of De Soto, died Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Vernon Manor in Viroqua. She was born on January 26, 1933, in De Soto, the eldest of 13 children born to Herschel and Ida (Baumer) Whitney.

Marian was a longtime member of New Hope Methodist Church in De Soto. She operated a furniture upholstery business for many years in her home. She was the De Soto area correspondent for the La Crosse Tribune and two local radio stations. Marian’s favorite project was raising money for the American Cancer Society as the “Whitney Walkers” family organizer for Relay for Life. She also provided a loving home for many dogs and cats over the years.

She is survived by three sisters, Bernice Higgs of Viroqua, Doris (Donald) Blackburn of Janesville, and Sharon (Steve) Groves of Texas; one sister in-law Mary (Spalla) Whitney of Tomah; many nieces and nephews, friends and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers, Milo, Raymond, Charles, Melvin and Robert; four sisters, Lorraine Longmire, Juanita Bakken, Shirley Hooverson and Judith Whitney; three brothers in-law, Bert Higgs, Kenneth Hooverson and Roger Bakken; and one sister-in-law, Clara (Galloway) Whitney.

A Celebration of Life will be held at New Hope Methodist Church at a later date. Burial will be in the De Soto Cemetery. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.vossfh.com.

The family of Marian Whitney would like to thank the wonderful caretakers of Bethel Oaks Memory Care and Vernon Manor in Viroqua.