Matthias F. Whalen (1867 - 1922)

WHALEN, MCGEOUGH, GAVIN, MANNING, KELLEHER, BYRNE, MOOTZ, COOPER

Posted By: M. J. Fitzgerald (email)
Date: 10/11/2009 at 18:50:52

Matthias F. Whalen died April 11, 1922, and is buried at Wexford, IA. References to his death and his obituary are in the Allamakee Journal newspapers of April 19 and April 26, 1922, respectively.

Matt Whalen, second son of the late Kern Whalen, mention of whose illness was made in these columns last week, died Sunday and was buried yesterday morning at Wexford. The family were on the eve of their departure for Chicago, Mr. Whalen having sold his farm in Lafayette when he was stricken seriously ill. They have the heartfelt sympathy of many friends in their great bereavement. Our Wexford correspondent promised a fitting obituary next week.

Obituary – Matt Whalen

Matthew Whalen was born in Lafayette township October 17, 1867; and here in peaceful Wexford he grew to be an exemplary specimen of Christian manhood, loved, and respected by all who had the good fortune of knowing him. On the 23rd of May, 1893, he was united in marriage to Johanna McGeough and to this union was born one son, Leo, who by her death was left motherless at a very tender age. June 21, 1898, he was married to Margaret Gavin and this marriage was blessed with four children, Stella, Matthew, Mary and Ruth. With them all he lived a happy and peaceful life: his splendid wife being a mother indeed to his otherwise motherless son.

For some months past his health had been gradually failing and for this reason he made arrangements to retire from active labor, selling his farm a short time ago For a short time after this he and his good wife and the young children remained at the home of his brother-in-law, Mike Gavin, intending to move to Chicago as soon as his health would improve. He went to LaCrosse for an examination and there it was learned that he had a complication of serious diseases, including high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries. He failed so rapidly that he was confined to his bed shortly after this and finally was also stricken with pneumonia; which in spite of all that loving hands could do resulted in his death, which was a most edifying one, occurring on Easter Sunday at 4 P.M. in the arms of his brother-in-law, just after receiving the Blessed Sacrament. Just before he breathed his last he looked heavenward and said with a happy smile “My Lord and My God.” How happy we all could be if we knew that we would be as well prepared to meet our Savior as was this good man.

He was humble and unassuming and would not desire to be eulogized but we cannot refrain from referring to at least a few of his many good qualities. First of all was his faithful practice of his religion, secondly his great and unselfish love for his fellowmen and last but not least his unfailing devotion to his family. In parting with him all Wexford feels that they have lost not merely a neighbor but a brother! He did indeed love his neighbor as himself for love of Him; and that this love was reciprocated was well attested by the host of friends from far and near who attended his funeral.

This took place from the Wexford church Tuesday, April 10th, with Rev. Father Costello celebrating the High Mass, assisted by Rev. Father Laffan. The Harpers Ferry choir sang hymns suitable to the occasion. The pall bearers were Matt Guider, Hugh Mullarkey, Matt Hurm and M. D. Guider.

Following are the names of those from outside the parish who attended the funeral: Leo Whalen of Omaha; Stella Whalen of Chicago; Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Whalen of Marquette, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Gus Mootz of Merrill, Wisconsin.

Beside his bereaved widow and five children, whom we have already mentioned, he leaves to mourn his loss the following sisters and brothers, all of whom were in attendance at the funeral: Mrs. M. Manning, Mrs. Frank Kelleher, Mrs. John Byrne, Mrs. Gus Mootz (Merrill, Wis.), and Mrs. Herbert Cooper (Dubuque); one other sister (Cecilia) having preceded him in death; William, Thomas, Kern of Plumer, Minn., Joseph of Marquette; and George of Lansing.

In Memory of Matthew Whalen
(By Mrs. B. F. Heatly)
Said the Angel of Death: “Come hither my son:
Lay aside thy cross, the crown is won!
Come join the celestial hosts on high.
Singing praises to Him Who for thee didst dies.”
E’en as the rocks had been laid away
From the tomb on that first glad Easter day,
So all that was mortal was laid aside
And the gates of heaven were opened wide.
Yea, loved ones wept down here below
And prayed for him, but the angels know
That far above with the seraphim
Another voice joined in the Easter hymn!