Jeffrey Whitaker, 63, of Waterloo, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes, February 9, 2026, at his home in Mason City, Iowa. The family will have a private family gathering in the future. He was born in Waterloo, Iowa, on August 23, 1962, the son of William and Darlis Whitaker. Jeff graduated from Walnut Ridge Baptist Academy in Waterloo and had an Associates Degree from Hawkeye Community College in Interior Design. After graduating He was employed in Chicago as an Interior Designer at Interna, a design studio in the Merchandice Mart. After several years he returned to work in his families' business Whitaker Foods in Waterloo for over 20 years. In 2011, he moved to Mason City and was employed in hospitality until retiring there in 2025. Jeff had a big heart and helped many who were suffering, even as he endured his own pain. He impacted many with his words of encouragement and had neighbors, work friends and family that loved him. He was brilliant and authored an unpublished book "The House of Cantrell" that reflected his love of Versace fashion often displayed in his apparel. He was a talented pianist and had a flair for entertaining with a love of having friends over for parties and dinner. His home was a reflection of his love of design with an ecclectic collection of things he loved with sparkles scattered throughout. He was an advocate for the less advantaged and was a presenter at AA in the past. He always wanted to live in Palm Springs and was happiest living in Chicago in his early career. Jeff is survived by a sister, Shari Bright (Ron) of Cedar Falls,Iowa and brother, Jerry Whitaker of Black Canyon, Az. There also are four nieces, Angela Clausen, of Urbandale, Iowa; Tina Gould, Edgerton, Wi; Bobbie JoYearous, Independence, Iowa, and Kristine Whitaker, Troy Mills, Iowa, as well as many great nieces and nephews. He was preceeded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert Whitaker and his special Maltese dog Skoshee.