Daniel J. Whalen, 80, died Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008, at the Northern Montana Hospital of natural causes.
His prayer vigil service will be 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, at the Holland & Bonine Funeral Chapel with his funeral mass at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at the St. Jude's Catholic Church with Father Robert D. Grosch officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at the Highland Cemetery. Memorials in Dan’s honor may be made to the St. Jude's Catholic Church at P. O. Box 407 Havre, MT 59501. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home. Dan was born Dec. 12, 1927, to James and Maysie Whalen in Stephen, Minn. He graduated from the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, Minn. In 1946. In Sept.of 1950, Dan joined the military serving with the fourth platoon L Company 23rd Infantry regiment in the Korean conflict. He was very proud of his time in the service, and enjoyed telling everyone of the experiences he had while stationed overseas and his involvement in the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge. On July 27, 1957, Dan married Doris Hamblock. They made their home in Havre where they raised their son Keith. Dan was employed with the Burlington Northern Railroad for 41 years. After his retirement, he enjoyed spending time at the railroad museum, his love for trains was a true passion. Dan was an active member of St. Jude's Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and a lifetime member of the V.F.W. After his wife Doris’ death in 2000 Dan moved to the Eagles Manor where he lived until his own health started to fail, and he became a resident of the Northern Montana Care Center. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Doris; and two brothers, Mark Whalen and Phillip Whalen of Glen Ellyn, Ill. Dan is survived by his son Keith (Bonnie) Whalen of Chester; three brothers: Stephen Whalen of Great Falls; Charles Whalen of Kookamunga, Columbia and John Whalen of Bridger; two sisters: Frances Crummey of Fargo, N.D. and Elizabeth Thayer of Hanford, Calif. Along with numerous nieces and nephews.
