Jacob Glenn Whisenhunt

Jacob Glenn Whisenhunt, 50, of Monmouth, Oregon, died peacefully at home in the early hours of January 29th, 2025, surrounded his wife and children.

Jake was born in Albany, Oregon just two minutes after his twin brother Josh, to Ron and Gail Whisenhunt. Jake began wrestling at the tender age of 4 years old and never stopped. Wrestling would define the rest of his life and be responsible for his tenacious work ethic, grit, physical and mental strength, and a platform in which he used to mentor, coach and invest in countless youth and young adults. He'd go on to wrestle for Peninsula Wrestling as a youth, Stayton High School, Clackamas Community College, and finally Oregon State University.

Besides wrestling, Jake spent much of his childhood adventuring with cousins, spending time at his grandma's house, and playing outside with his brother, sister Summer, (whom he always called "sis") and the neighbor kids. No matter what Jake was doing you can be assured it was full of good fun and mischief and later the source of many good stories. Jake attended Stayton Elementary School where his favorite teacher was Mrs. Dixon, Stayton Middle School, and Stayton High School where he wrestled, placing 1st in State as a senior at 130lbs. He went on to wrestle for Clackamas Community College placing 2nd at NJCAA's both years at 126lbs. After CCC, he wrestled for OSU placing second in the Pac 10's at 126lbs in 1996 and 1997.

He graduated from OSU with a BS in Behavioral Science. Shortly after OSU Jake went to trade school to become an electrician, earning his journeyman's license in 2006 while working for his father-in-law at Crawford Electric and then settling down at Western Oregon University where he worked for the next 14 years. After 8000 hours and a grueling exam, Jake obtained his supervising electrician license in 2010.

Jake married Kelli Lyn Crawford on May 31st, 1997, at Creekside Golf Course in Salem Oregon. They married while both students at OSU. They both committed their life to Jesus in college and credited the strength of their commitment to God with their marriage verse, "we love because He first loved us." Jake and Kelli moved around the Willamette Valley but eventually settled in Monmouth, Oregon in 2008 where they raised their 2 children, worked at WOU together, served together in their local church and enjoyed their community together. Kelli will always be thankful to this community that loved them so well after Jake's horrific car accident in 2020.

Jake and Kelli had 2 children together Marley Jo Brewer (24) (formerly known as Caedmon Joseph Whisenhunt) and McKenna Lyn Whisenhunt (22). Jake was a devoted, caring, hands-on dad who loved his children immensely. Their favorite things to do with their dad were bug hunting, daddy-daughter dates, playing in the NPE gym after hours, playing Monster Tag and Box Monster, losing to him at Monopoly, playing video games and of course wrestling and working out together and even doing chores together.

Jake loved his job at Western Oregon University working in the Physical Plant. He very much enjoyed his co-workers and made many good friends during his time there. The nature of his work allowed him to get to know many staff and faculty on the WOU campus. Jake loved to serve and loved people which was reflected in him winning the Mario and Alma Pastega Staff Excellence Award in

2013. He was so honored to share the award that year with Linda Kunze, which "honors a classified or administrative staff member who demonstrates exceptional service to the university."

Jake was active in his local church whether it be serving as deacon, setting up and taking down, or being the favorite teacher in kids church. His relationship with Jesus was the foundation of his life. His goal was always to use anything he could as a platform to share the love of Jesus, be it work, wrestling or just living life. He loved to share the hope he had with others.

Jake enjoyed bow and rifle hunting, ocean fishing, BBQ's with family, sports of all kinds, Marvel comic movies, and settling down for the night with a favorite TV show.

Jake will always be remembered for his sense of humor, his smile, his way with kids, his silly voices and goofy faces, his sage advice, and willingness to help out in a pinch. We couldn't have asked for a better husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. We will miss Jake every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him and had the good fortune to know him.

Jake was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Glenn and Patricia Strahan and Patricia's second husband Donald McIntosh. He is survived by his wife, Kelli; children, Marley and McKenna; parents, Ron and Gail Whisenhunt; brother Josh (Bea) Whisenhunt; sister Summer (Jason) Pask; Nephews: Gabe Whisenhunt, Michael Wells, and Jacob Wells; Nieces: Brooke Pask, Madison Pask, Danielle Howard, and Lyli Whisenhunt and 7 great nieces and nephews and many beloved cousins and uncles.

We will celebrate Jake's life on February 15th, 2025, at 1:00pm at Monmouth Christian Church in Monmouth Oregon. In lieu of flowers, donations to Panther Kids Wrestling would be highly encouraged!