Gerald "Jerry" R. Whalen

In Loving Memory of Gerald Robert Whalen 

Gerald Robert (Jerry) Whalen, 88, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 16th, following a long battle with COPD. He was a beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and cherished friend. 

Born in Joliet, Illinois, Jerry attended Farragut grade school and Joliet Catholic High School. Upon being graduated, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. Following his return from service overseas, he married Rita Parkinson (née Nedlo) and had two sons, Tim (Deanna) Whalen and Brian (Diane) Whalen. 

For several years, Jerry dedicated his time to coaching and mentoring Boys’ Baseball teams at St. Joseph Park in Joliet. He later married Marie Andrae and was the proud stepfather to Jimmie Andrae (deceased), Francine Andrae (deceased) and Johnita (Sean) Case. 

In 1989, Jer moved to Fort Myers, Florida, where he was employed for several years by Crowther Roofing. In Florida, he met his lifelong friend and companion, Dorothy Gadoury (deceased), with whom he traveled to all fifty states over more than thirty years. Jer and Dorothy shared many family events with her children Phil (Cindy) Kaminski, Cindy (Mark) VanWormer and Jamie Gadoury. 

In later years, Jerry’s greatest passion each Fall was visiting his grandsons, Kyle (Sara) Whalen, Josh (Kate) Whalen and Tyler Whalen, to watch them play football. He enjoyed buying their postgame meals at his favorite fast-food restaurant “Sonic” and, when alternative restaurants were suggested, he simply replied, “Sonic or starve!”

 In his final years, he deeply enjoyed the time he spent with his great grandchildren, Gerald Robert Whalen and Quinn Micheal Whalen, as well as getting to know his step-grandson, Zachary (Marissa) Nolan. 

Jerry was preceded in death by his dear aunts, Louise and Julia Sullivan, as well as his brothers, Jim Whalen and John (Jack) Whalen. He is fondly remembered by relatives Marilyn (Tom, deceased) Wallen, Greg (Tamera) Wallen, Marsha (Bill, deceased) Church, Cory (Nicki) Church, Kelcey (Tim) Kast, Megan (Steve) Smith, Erin (Mike) Fasula, Nancy (Lamar, deceased) Eiland, Judy (Kevin) Whalen as well as numerous other cousins. 

Those who knew Jerry will remember him for his generous spirit, his dry, Irish sense of humor, and his unwavering love and support for friends and family. His greatest gift was to listen patiently, and without judgment, to the many people who shared their stories with him throughout the years.

 A mass will be held at Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church, 18 Woodlawn Avenue, Joliet, IL at 10am on Friday, May 1st. Immediately following, there will be a gathering at the Silver Spoon at 1601 West Jeaerson, Joliet, IL, a short walk from the church. At noon, a procession will proceed to the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois, where Gerald will receive military funeral honors. Following interment, a celebratory meal will be held at Merichkas Restaurant, 604 Theodore Street, Joliet. All who shared in his life are welcome. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Disabled American Veterans, a cause which was near and dear to his heart for many years