ST. JOSEPH, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Dec. 28, 2022) – For the second time this month, a parent of a local lawmaker has passed away after an illness.
On Tuesday, the office of US House Representative Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) announced the death of the Congressman’s father at the age of 98. Steve Upton was a World War II veteran, serving during the Battle of the Bulge, and became one of the founders of Whirlpool Corporation. “Dad led us all by example to give back to our community and try to make this world a better place,” Fred Upton said in a statement.
Steve Upton leaves behind his wife Elizabeth, five chilrdren, 17 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were pending as of dawn on Wednesday.
Last week, a funeral service was held for Joanne Blossom McCarthy, the 78-year-old mother of state House Representative Mary Whiteford (R-Casco Twp.). She left behind four children, nine grand children, and seven great-grandchildren.
Both Fred Upton and Mary Whiteford are leaving public office at year’s end – Upton after 18 terms in the US House by his own decision not to run against fellow incumbent Bill Huizenga (R-Zeeland) in the GOP primary for the redrawn 2nd District, and Whiteford after just more than three terms in the state House due to term limits.
