William M. Whalen (1904 - 1919)

WHALEN, MANNING, FITZGERALD

Posted By: M. J. Fitzgerald (email)
Date: 10/11/2009 at 19:42:34

William M. Whalen (b. 1904 IA; d. 1919 Dubuque, IA) died young and is buried at Wexford, Allamakee County, IA.

Death notice (newspaper unknown; Dubuque?) reads:

Young Son Lansing Parents Succumbs

Death claimed William M. Whelan at a local hospital yesterday after an operation. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Whelan of Allamakee county near Lansing, IA. The boy was nearly fifteen years of age. Besides his parents, four brothers, Kerne and Vincent of this city; Carl and frank at home, and three sisters, Mrs. Edward Fitzgerald of Harpers Ferry; Nellie, at home, and Sister Mary William at Presentation convent survive.

The funeral will be held from the home of the brother here on Emmett street Monday morning and the remains shipped to Lansing where services will take place Tuesday morning in the Wexford Catholic church.

Obituary (newspaper unknown; Allamakee Journal?) reads:

Death of Willie Whalen

As a great surprise and shock came the news to this community of the death of Willie Whalen, aged fourteen years, the youngest son and child of Wm. And Nellie Manning Whalen, which occurred at Mercy Hospital, Dubuque, Saturday, Feb. 8th. His parents had taken him there a few weeks ago for treatment for throat and heart trouble and learned on their arrival that his condition was more serious than they had supposed. An operation was deemed necessary and performed but owing to the condition of his heart he failed to rally from the effects of the anaesthetic. He was a bright, handsome boy of a most sweet and lovable disposition, and being the “baby” in a family circle conspicuous for their devotion and attachment to each other, his going will leave a void in their hearts which never will be filled.

His remains were brought to Harpers Ferry Monday afternoon, met be a large number of sorrowing friends and relatives, and accompanied to the home of his parents. On Tuesday, after a Solemn Requiem Mass, he was laid to rest in the Wexford cemetery. He is survived by his parents, four brothers, Kern of Dubuque, Vincent, Frank and Carl, at home, and three sisters, Sister William of the Presentation Order, Dubuque, Mrs. Ed. Fitzgerald of this parish, and Nellie, at home. By them, and by his schoolmates, with whom he was very popular, and a large number of aunts, uncles and cousins, he will be ever fondly remembered.