BVU Community Mourns Passing of ‘Doc’ Whitlatch
Former Professor of Theatre, BVU administrator remembered for connections, dedication to students.
The Buena Vista University community was shocked and saddened to learn the news of the passing of Dr. Michael Whitlatch on Feb. 26. He was 72 years old and at home in Springboro, Ohio, at the time of his death.
A gathering of family and friends was held March 5, at Tobias Funeral Home, Far Hills Chapel, in Dayton, Ohio. A 2 p.m. funeral service followed at the same location.
Buena Vista University will hold a celebration of life service for “Doc” Whitlatch, as so many knew him, at 1 p.m. April 23 in Anderson Auditorium. A reception featuring light snacks and conversation will follow in the Siebens Forum foyer. All are welcome to attend.
Doc served as a Professor of Theatre and in various administrative roles in a BVU tenure that touched four decades. He and his late wife, Jean, raised their son, Andrew, in Storm Lake, and kept busy attending Andrew’s music and athletic contests. Upon retiring, Doc and Jean moved to Ohio to be closer to Andrew and his wife, Amel, savoring the time they spent with grandchildren Mina and Owen.
“Doc was a valued mentor for me as a young Assistant Professor when I first arrived on campus,” said President Brian Lenzmeier. “He was such an admired member of our BVU community, as he served us in so many ways, going from Professor of Theatre to various leadership roles, including that of Dean and Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, always keeping our students top-of-mind.”
“Doc was dedicated, accurate and tireless in fulfilling his duties as a Dean of our division,” noted Dr. Danuta Hutchins, a longtime BVU faculty colleague. “Always available to us, he could often be found to be the last one to leave his office for the day. Earlier on, as a theater professor, he directed several successful plays and musicals to participate in, some of which he generously invited both our children. Such an experience made them more confident and successful in their school endeavors. We all recall him with fondness and gratitude.”
Ben Smith ’01, who serves as Sac County Attorney, starred in a couple of musical productions directed by Whitlatch, who visited BVU in the summer of 2021 and recorded a presenting talk on behalf of Smith for his BVU Athletics Hall of Fame induction that fall.
“Doc Whitlatch’s intense passion for his craft was inspiring and infectious,” Smith noted. “He demanded our best. Without question, Doc Whitlatch had a vested interest in all his students’ successes, one extending beyond the theater stage and graduation; he genuinely cared for every one of us. Doc Whitlatch was a great professor, but an even greater father and husband. The world was a much better place with him in it. His warm smile and kind heart are missed, but will never be forgotten.”
The Rev. Sue (Manbeck) Trigger ’84 remembers heading to the Whitlatch home following the conclusion of performances. “Doc and Jean were very special to us as students,” she said. “We constantly had activities at their house after shows. You could tell how much Doc loved his students. He was there to listen to them, to care for them, and to support them. It was a very special time.”
Tom Stewart ’06 recently testified before the Connecticut Legislature as he works with legislatures, governors, and lobbyists to ensure secure elections. The confidence he now displays was nurtured and honed through activity under Doc’s guidance.
“Doc gave me some direct, concise encouragement when I needed it most,” Stewart said. “He was a formative and consistent presence for so many at BVU. I don’t think I would have graduated were it not for Doc.”
Stewart remembered Doc’s habit of being the last one to leave once the stage was struck after a show.
“Doc would dust the stage and leave the ghost light on,” Stewart said. “The ghost light is an equity light, really, allowing everyone a measure of safety in the darkness. Doc shone a light in the way he cared for us.”
Doc was preceded in death by Jean as well as his brother, David Whitlatch. He is survived by son Andrew and daughter-in-law, Amel, and grandchildren, Mina and Owen, of Centerville, Ohio. He also leaves behind brother Dr. Stephen (Amy) Whitlatch, of Cincinnati, Ohio, sister Patti (Doug) William, of Pickerington, Ohio, and several nieces and nephews.
Faculty colleagues of Doc Whitlatch have established a page set up in his honor on the Broadway Cares website. Contributions may also be made to the Franklin-Springboro Public Library, 125 Park Lane, in Springboro, Ohio.