Lucile Loraine Whitaker

Lucile Loraine Whitaker 85, of Keokuk passed away Thursday, September 17, 2026 at River Hills Village in Keokuk.

She was born December 20, 1940 in Keokuk, the daughter of Lawrence and Lydia Reuther Burghoffer.

On June 1, 1968 she was united in marriage to Rodger Kent Whitaker in Kahoka, MO. He survives.

She grew up in rural Donnellson, IA on a farm, grew up going to one room schoolhouse and later graduated from Donnellson High School. She attended Southeastern Community College.

Lucile was a member of First Christian Church and the Christian Women’s Fellowship. She was also a member of the Keokuk Garden Club and was a certified Master Gardener in Illinois. Her love of working in her yard was evident in the beauty of every flower and plant she nurtured.

Besides her husband, she is survived by her four sons, Jay Whitaker (Molly) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Bryan Whitaker (Camille) of Burlington, Iowa, Daniel Whitaker (Shauna) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Andrew Whitaker (Renee) of Keokuk, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Katelyn Bradfield (Nate), Luke Whitaker (Tessa), Madelyn Whitaker (fiancé, Thomas), Aden Whitaker, Lydia Whitaker, Brooks Whitaker, Suzie Whitaker and Preslee Whitaker; seven great-grandchildren; one brother, Leo Burghoffer (Shelly) of St. Augustine, Florida; one niece, Marne Carmichael (Dane); and two nephews, Mark Burghoffer (Tat) and Sam Burghoffer.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bill and Dolly Whitaker.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at First Christian Church in Keokuk, with Reverend David Turner officiating.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, at the church, with the family meeting with friends at that time.

Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church Women’s Fellowship.