Jan Elizabeth Whitman, DVM

Jan Elizabeth Whitman, DVM, age 70, died Saturday, September 14th, after battling cancer, in the presence of her family and Irish Setter at her St. Paul home.

Jan was the rock from which her family drew strength—a steady guide and best friend of her beloved daughter Bryna (Chris); joyful snuggler and playmate, “Amma,” to her grandchildren, Ainsley and Dax; eldest and “squad leader” of close siblings Teresa, Cynthia (Bernard), Peter (Gayle); caring aunt to Taous (Mohammed) and Forrest (Brianna) and their families, and devoted companion to her dog, Niall.

Known for her generosity, compassion, and wisdom, Jan had a pioneering spirit, a deep passion for animals and learning, and a mind for solving puzzles. She enjoyed long walks with her dogs, being by and on the water at her family’s lake cabin, trying out new recipes or restaurants with her friends, and reading a good mystery. She started each day with a crossword or sudoku to ensure “her brain had woken up and was ready for the day.”

Above all, Jan enjoyed the times she spent with Bryna, Chris, Ainsley, and Dax. She was a consistent and constant presence in all the everyday moments: family meals, neighborhood walks with the dogs, car rides, swimming lessons, and hours of make believe. Ainsley’s favorite days were her “Amma days”. They treasured the “bucket list” trip they took together to Ireland, visiting the places after which Jan had named her Irish Setters.

Born to Mary and Rev. Allen Whitman on Sept. 20, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois, Jan was only five when she declared she was going to be a veterinarian. Caring for animals and their owners became her life's work. She graduated from Edina High School in 1971 and the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1977– one of only twenty women in her graduating class.

Early in her career, she worked with a group of St Paul veterinarians to organize and open the first Animal Emergency & Referral Center. In 1983, she joined one of these veterinarians, Dr. Milton Crenshaw, at Animal Medical Clinic in St. Paul. Dr. Whitman truly reflected the clinic’s motto, “Let us treat  your pet like family.” She led the practice for most of her career, becoming its owner in 2014. Committed to life-long learning and education, Dr. Whitman never stopped striving to be the very best veterinarian she could be while always taking the extra time to ensure patients and their owners were treated with dignity, love, and respect. 

The proud owner of seven Irish Setters throughout her lifetime, Jan was an active member of the Irish Setter Club of Minnesota.  She loved the elegant, “happy-go-lucky” breed and devoted time to training and showing her beloved dogs.

A Celebration of Jan’s life will be held from 12-3pm on Saturday, September 28th at Willwerscheid Funeral Home (1167 Grand Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55105). 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Dr. Jan Whitman Memorial Fund at Animal Medical Clinic (234 S. Snelling Ave, St. Paul, MN 55105); the Irish Setter Club of Minnesota (Susan Motzko, treasurer ISCM, 14899 75 Ave N, Maple Grove MN 55311); or Planned Parenthood.

To honor Jan, who was looking forward to casting her own ballot this year, please VOTE on Tuesday, November 5!