Whalen, Patrick 1850-1923

WHALEN, REGAN, MCCAULEY, WELCH, HAXMEIER, REYNOLDS

Posted By: Diana Diedrich (email)
Date: 4/2/2006 at 14:51:03

Death of Patrick Whalen

One by one Allamakee's pioneer men and women whose names are linked up with the early history of Allamakee County are dropping off the stage of life. Death is servering the bond between the old order of things and the new. A younger generation gradually taking up the task so were begun by these pioneers. Latest of these to pass is Patrick Whalen, the subject of this sketch, whose death on the old homestead in French Creek township, was briefly noted in these columns last week. Mr. Whalen died Tuesday, October 9th, after an illness of two weeks, and although he had lived more than the full span of years alloted to man, his departure leaves distinct sense of loss, not only in the home, but in the community in which he had been prominent most of his life as well. Now that he is gone his full value is more fully-realized than ever yet the influence does not end with death, and therein is the chief value of a good citizen as typified by Patrick Whalen.

Deceased came to Allamakee county with his mother in 1858, being born in Utica, New York, April 15, 1850. In 1876 Mr. Whalen was united in marriage to Miss Julia Regan, who with their nine children, survive him. His death being the first break in the family circle. The children are: Mrs. P.J. McCauley, French Creek; Daniel J. of Milwaukee, Wis; Father James of Dorchester; Wm. T., Mrs. P. Welch, Peter, Charles, Frank, and Miss Angela, all of French Creek except Peter who lives just across the state line near New Albin. All were present during his last illness and at the funeral, which took place from St. Mary's church, Lycurgus, of which the family have been devout and llife-long members Thursday morning, Oct. 11. Mr. Whalen belonged to St. Matthew Council. No. 1570, Knights of Columbus, and was a charter member of St. Mary's Court of Catholic Foresters.

A Solemn Mass of Requiem was offered for the happy repose of his soul, officers of the Mass being: Father Whalen, celebrant; Father C. S. Regan, Bryant, Iowa, deacon; Father Hayes, New Albin, sub-deacon; Father McNamara, master of ceremonies. Beside these Msgr. Haxmeier, of Lansing, and Fathers Reynolds, of Hanover, and O'Sullivan of Waukon, were observed inside the chancel rail. Father McNamara, his pastor for the past eleven years, preached the sermon, paying fitting tribute to deceased, and with friends, to whom the passing years brought no diminishing but, ever increasing affection and esteem. And to the deeply smitten kinsfolk that sincere yet voiceless sympathy that touches the heart and bedews the eyes, although it cannot banish the overwhelming weight of grief and woe under which the wife and sorrowing children bow.

Interment in the cemetery close by the church was crowded to capacity and it is estimated that between 150 and 200 rigs were congregated for the funeral obsequies.

The History of Allamakee County makes this mention of Mr. Whalen: "For three terms he served efficiently as township trustee and while in the office of school director gave evidence of his interest in the cause of education. The career of Mr. Whalen is proof of the fact that success is but ambution's answer and what he has attained is but the natural outcome of industry and energy dominated by a progressive spirit. He is highly respected and esteemed for what he has attained and the confidence and good will which he receives from his friends and neighbors are highly merited."
The Lansing Mirror, Oct. 17, 1923 page 4