William Harwood (Chip) Whitsitt

On Thursday, January 21st, 2021 William Harwood (Chip) Whitsitt III, of Lake Nebagamon, WI, passed away peacefully at age 73 at Aspen Health Care Center (Middle River) in Superior, WI.

Chip was born in Superior, WI, July 4, 1947 to William H. Whitsitt Jr. and Marjorie (Emerson) Whitsitt. He graduated from Superior Central High School in 1965, where he was active in music and wrestling. It was during this time Chip discovered his love for playing guitar. That passion continued throughout his life as he enjoyed buying and playing classical guitars, and Chip could often be heard playing them after work. During high school, he demonstrated perseverance and hard work by becoming an Eagle Scout. He also worked part time in a local accounting office.

Chip enrolled in Univ. of WI 1965-1967 completing his college generals. There he was a member of the debate and forensic teams. He transferred to Univ. of MN, Duluth in 1967 and graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts, major in Accounting and minors in Business Administration and Political Science. During his college years he competed in competitive swimming, earning a Varsity letter and had qualifying times to try out for the Olympic Swim Team. He was elected president of the North Shore Swim Club; volunteer coached a local junior high swim team, and was enlisted as a Neighborhood Commissioner and Explorer Advisor for the Boy Scouts of America. In addition, Chip enjoyed bodybuilding, scuba diving and competitive shooting.

In 1965 Chip enlisted in the MN Air National Guard. After completing 6 weeks at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX, he was assigned with the Comptroller Section of the 148th Fighter Group, MN Air National Guard, Duluth, MN. In 1970 he attended the Air National Guard Noncommissioned Officer Academy, McGhee Tyson Air Force Base in Knoxville Tennessee, completing Phase 1 of his studies. He returned in 1972 where he graduated in the upper quarter of his class. He was involved in competitive shooting while in the service and was chosen for the Olympic Shooting Team. Unfortunately, work took priority. Chip retired from the military as a Mgt. Analysis Officer, First Lieutenant, earning the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

Chip obtained his Certified Public Account in 1972 and became an associate public account at Eikill & Schilling LTD, Whitsitt, Gessner & Co. then WH Whitsitt & Co. where he became part, then sole owner of the business. He later sold the company, remaining there as a Sr. Account-CPA until he started working full time out of his home. Chip had clients from across the country and all walks of life.

Chip Married Linda Soland in 1972. They remained together until 1996. He later married Rita Gottlieb in 1999 to 2007.

Chip owned Travelogue Travel Agency, providing him with many opportunities for wonderful trips and adventures. Chip was an avid hunter from a young age; starting with rabbits and squirrels, moving onto big horn sheep and a grizzly bear that stood mounted in his office. A lifelong member of the National Rifle Association he enjoyed shooting all types of guns.

He was a member of the Masonic Ancient Lodge and the Arabic Order of the Noble of the Mystic Shrine, (known today as The Shriners) for over 25 years.

Chip raised and campaigned Champion Registered Quarter Horses. Later, he showed Champion Registered German Shorthaired Pointer dogs. He was a sponsor in the Ruffled Grouse Society, and a member of the American Kennel Club and the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America.

In his last few years Chip enjoyed going to Guitar Camp in Alcoa, TN. There he learned jazz guitar and flatpicking, a specific style of plucking the guitar. His love for music was obvious to those around him.

With a strong work ethic, diverse interests and multi-talented, Chip always had a positive attitude in life. He was a great friend to many people from all walks of life, there to listen and assist both friends and strangers both. He enjoyed telling jokes and had a smile for everyone, and his laugh was contagious to us all.

Chip rejoins his loved ones, parents William and Marjorie Whitsitt, and his wonderful sister Lynne Reed, and his nephew, Patrick Reed. He is survived by his brother Richard Whitsitt, brother-in-law Henry Reed, his nephews, John Reed, Bryan Reed and Edward Whitsitt, nieces, Malani Whitsitt and Ava Symone Whitsitt Hilton, and sister-in-law, Julie Hilton.

His family and friends would like to thank Chip’s dear friend, Dixie Carter, for her loyal caregiving and continuing support during chip’s extended illness, Aspen Health Care Center and St. Luke’s Hospital for the extraordinary care Chip received (and apologize for his bad jokes).

A celebration of Chips life is planned May 8, 2021 11-2pm, Hawthorne Town Hall, 72235 S. Town Hall Road, Hawthorne, WI. Burial at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Spooner, WI will be afterwards.