Donald Whalen

Donald (Don) James Whalen passed away peacefully on December 8, 2014. He was born March 28, 1931, in Spring Valley, Illinois. Don was born to Daniel Thomas Whalen and Ruby Pribbenow. He had two loving sisters, Shirley and Carol. Don is deeply loved and missed by his two daughters, Deborah Whalen and Rhonda Wedderien, and their spouses Robert O'Hara and Bruce Wedderien. He is also loved and missed dearly by his grand daughters and their spouses Casandra Wedderien-Kulovitz (Brian), Erica Radecki (Brad), Natalie Wedderien (Matthew), Blair, and Jessica; and his great grandchildren Julia, Corrine, Zavian, and Austin. Don was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marlys and his only son, Wade. Prior to graduating high school in Staples, Minnesota, Don was very athletic. He loved playing football and was also on the track team, a boxer for golden gloves, and in ROTC. After graduation he became a member of The National Guard before starting his career in the valve industry. Don took much pride in his work. He worked several jobs in the northern part of the country before moving to California and starting his career in the valve industry. He worked at Pacific Valve in Long Beach California. Don worked through the the different departments before being offered a position as the Shop Supervisor for the repair department in Broadview, Illinois. As Don aged, he moved and worked in many states, but finally set roots in Louisiana and opened his own valve repair shop and field machining company until he retired. In his spare time, Don loved soaking up the sun in the great outdoors. His many hobbies included camping, fishing, boating, bird watching, riding the trails on his 4 wheeler, taking his grandchildren for a ride on his 4 wheeler or riding lawnmower, sitting by a relaxing fire, and up keeping his beautiful yard. When Don was indoors he enjoyed listening to music, watching a classic western, a game of football, or a church sermon or two. Don was a highly respected by others, and was a charmer with a great sense of humor. He loved to help others and be around people; but most of all, he just loved to be spending time with his family!!!! May his soul rest in peace!