By Jeff Kenney Staff Writer
CULVER — The Culver community as a whole is mourning the unexpected death of a lifelong fixture in Culver, whose impact on the lives of many has come to the forefront in the wake of his Oct. 7 death.
Jeff Willhite, a 1990 graduate of Culver Community High School, was rushed to the hospital Oct. 5, the victim of a bacterial infection that eventually took his life.

Through his work as a campus security officer at Culver Academies, as an active member of Culver’s volunteers EMS, in assisting his brother Lee in the day-to-day operation of Gladie’s Deli on Main Street, and simply as an outgoing and highly visible member of Culver’s community, Willhite was known by many in the area.
Shortly after his entry into the hospital, EMS Director Millie Sytsma and her husband, Culcom LLC owner Rich Sytsma, set up a Web site intended to keep the community aware of Willhite’s status, and to act as a channel for well wishes to be sent to his family. In the days since Willhite’s passing, hundreds of messages memorializing Willhite and offering condolences to his family filled the site, not only from local regions but also those whose lives Willhite touched all over the country.
Culver Academies head of schools John Buxton ordered flags flown at half staff at the school two days last week, and they will again be flown half-staff Oct. 14 and 15, the respective days of Willhite’s viewing and funeral at the Academies’ Memorial Chapel.
The community’s response to Jeff Willhite’s death has touched his family, including parents Henry and Gladys and surviving brothers, Mike and Lee.
“Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought the responses we would get (to Jeff’s passing) would be in that magnitude,” says Lee. “What’s amazing is, they’re all consistent (in their praise of him). I don’t think he realized how rich he was. In society, we look at things materialistically. I wish he would have known that.”
“Jeff was an amazing individual,” continues Lee. “When it came to efforts with community service, he respected it; he had a dignity towards it. He would do anything to be able to help. He really felt it was his calling. He really respected what he did as far as EMS…talking to people, I think they, in return, respected that. That’s a gift.”
As of this writing, Lee Willhite (who is also food services director at Culver Academies) says Mark Waller of the Academies’ horsemanship department plans a Lancers’ salute to honor Jeff at his funeral.  Fire trucks and emergency vehicles are expected to line up and form a procession as well, with Culver’s firemen lined up to salute him.
“We’re overwhelmed (by the outpouring of community support),” Lee Willhite adds. “We’ve been blessed. I wouldn’t have thought to say this, but he was a community icon.”
Editor’s note: Far too many tributes to Jeff Willhite have appeared to print them all, but below is a small sampling from several who worked with or were touched by him.
“Jeff was a member of a family who have served and supported the Culver Academies and the town of Culver for generations. Jeff was a special employee with a positive attitude, a strong work ethic and a clear sense of the importance of service: security Officer, member of the Lake Patrol and EMS technician. He supported so many aspects of this community with his good work. We have lost a good friend.” — John Buxton, head of schools, The Culver Academies
“I think the most memorable thing about Jeff was simply his contagious smile. A few weeks ago, we were called on a fire alarm, about 1 a.m. As is the norm, both the fire and EMS were called. The fire dept. arrived on the scene first, and the key holder was already there. Since I was the driver, I was outside with the engine when the ambulance arrived. As I attempted to walk to the road to tell them they could return, they met me about the back of the engine. It was Jeff, (EMS volunteer) Chad Becker, and another EMT, all wearing their matching jackets, and these bright yellow fire helmets, and grinning from ear to ear. I couldn’t help but laugh, as they all danced in sync and giggled. I asked what they were doing and Jeff replied, "We found these in the rig, and thought we needed a reason to wear them. And this was the perfect time. We knew you guys would appreciate it." I don’t ever remember seeing Jeff without his smile. — Dave Cooper, Culver-Union Twp. volunteer fire department
“I've known Jeff for a long time and had the pleasure of working with him for the past eight years on the EMS. Anybody who met Jeff was a friend. Jeff was always there to back you up or to give an encouraging word or talk when you needed it. He always tried to get a smile from any patient that he met. You could always count on Jeff to be there when help was needed. Jeff will be greatly missed, but for all the lives that he has touched. Thank you for all you have done and we will miss you.” — Tim McCarthy, Culver EMS & Fire Dept.
“Jeff Willhite was a dedicated public servant and a friend to all.  He will  be greatly missed by many throughout Culver and Marshall County.  On behalf of the city of Plymouth, our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”— Mark Senter, mayor of Plymouth
Services for Jeff will begin with viewing and visitation with the family today from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Culver Academies Chapel. A  celebration of Jeff's life will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Also at the Culver Academies Chapel, a funeral procession will follow services, with burial at Culver Masonic Cemetery. A reception for family  and friends will be held at the Legion Memorial Building on the Culver Military Academy campus following burial. Bonine-Odom Funeral Home, Culver, is in charge of arrangements.