Thomas “Tom” Whalen

Obituary

Thomas “Tom” Eugene Whalen was born on October 25, 1938, in Hutchinson, Minnesota. He was the son of Thomas and Ellen (Dooley) Whalen. Tom was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith as a youth at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson. He received his education in Hutchinson, and was a graduate of the Hutchinson High School Class of 1956.

Tom entered active military service in the United States Air Force on August 15, 1956, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and served his country during peace time. He received an Honorable Discharge on October 11, 1960, at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey, and achieved the rank of Airman Second Class.

In 1962, Tom was united in marriage to Carol Asp at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson. This marriage was blessed with three daughters, Colleen, Kerstin, and Ann. In 1995, Tom married Nancy Meyers. They shared eight years of marriage prior to her passing in 2003. Tom resided in Hutchinson and later moved to Walker, Minnesota.

Tom was employed as a mechanic for Honeywell. He retired in 1998. Tom was a member of the Hutchinson Knights of Columbus. He was also a facilitator for a support group for Veterans in Fargo, North Dakota.

Tom enjoyed reading about history and politics, and had a life-long love of animals. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends.

Tom passed away on Friday, November 24, 2023, at his home in Walker, Minnesota, at the age of 85 years.

Blessed be his memory.

Tom is survived by his:
Daughters, Colleen Whalen of Fargo, ND,
Kerstin “Keri” Hasse and her husband, Greg of Pemberton, MN,
Ann Anderson and her husband, Chris of Walker, MN;
Grandchildren, Erik Hasse, Christopher Hasse, Patrick Hasse, Leah Hasse and her special friend, Ben Steinborn, Ashley Anderson and her husband, Nate Gerlach, Adam Anderson, Arica Anderson, Austin Anderson;
Great-grandchildren, Emmett and Rosalind Anderson-Gerlach;
Many Nieces, Nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Tom is preceded in death by his Parents, Thomas and Ellen Whalen; Siblings, Evelyn (Warren) Heilman, Michael Whalen, Alice (Robert) McBrady, Patrick Whalen, Teresa (Cyril) Hatten, James (Carmen) Whalen, Elizabeth (Laurence) Krebsbach, Margaret (Kenneth) Wieden, Catherine (Gerald) McGraw.