Gerald "Whaler" Whalen

Gerald 'Whaler' Whalen, 66, of Dakota, died Monday August 26, 2013, in his home. Gerald was born on February 20, 1947 in Freeport, the son of Kenneth L. and Virginia M. (Harnish) Whalen. Growing up Gerald attended schools in Dakota. Gerald married Linda Stewart on November 19, 1966, in Freeport. Whaler worked at Micro Switch for 46 years as a mold maker. He was a member of the Moose Lodge. He enjoyed following NASCAR, camping, working on engines, driving his golf cart around the campground, and above all spending time with his grandchildren. Whaler was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. Surviving are his wife, Linda Whalen of Freeport; son, Tom (Holly) Whalen of Wausau, WI.; daughter, Stacy (Robert) Prince of Montreal, Canada; two brothers, Denny D. (Catherine) Whalen of Freeport and Frank L. Whalen (Yolanda Cross) of Freeport; mother-in-law, Delores Stewart of Freeport; three brother-in-laws, Larry (Debbie) Stewart, Richard (Erin) Stewart and Lee (Susan) Stewart. Also surviving are four grandchildren Emilie and Elisabeth Prince and Jacob and Keaton Whalen. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law, Richard Stewart; and two special friends, Scott Springer and William Thompson. Funeral services will be Friday 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. Richard 'Ros' Schultz officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport. A memorial has been established in his memory. Please sign the guestbook or leave a memory at www.burketubbs.com.