John Joseph Whalen, 95
Thief River Falls - John Joseph Whalen, 95, formerly of Oklee, died Saturday, January 20, 2001 at Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls.
Mass of Christian burial was held on Saturday, January 27, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church in Oklee with Father Gary LaMoine officiating. Barb Melby was the organist, and Carolyn Rystad was the soloist. Servers were Steven and Nathan Whalen. Angie Radniecki was the reader. Casketbearers were Greg Whalen, Mike Whalen, Terry Whalen, Dean Radniecki, Don Schirrick and Dan Schirrick. Burial was in St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Cemetery in Plummer. Johnson Funeral Service of Oklee was in charge of the arrangements.
John Joseph Whalen was born on November 1, 1905 in Equality township of Red Lake county, the son of Kerence and Margaret (Donahue) Whalen. He was raised and educated in Equality township and worked on the family farm with his father. He then farmed with his brother, George, at Terrebonne before returning to the family homestead and farming with his father until his retirement. Joe also worked for Jenson Mink Ranch for a few years. He continued to make his home on the family farm until 1991 when he moved to Valley Home where he had since resided.
Joe enjoyed fishing, trapping, gardening, baking breads and pies and watching animals in the wild.
Survivors include a sister-in-law, Esther Whalen of rural Oklee, eight nieces, seven nephews and many grandnieces and grandnephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five sisters, Sister Mary Linus, Emma Schirrick, Florence Whalen, Hazel Whalen and an infant sister; and three brothers, James "Will" Whalen, George Whalen and Tom Whalen.
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