Michael F. Whalen, 71, of Eau Claire, died Thursday, May 14, 2009, at Heritage Court under the care of St. Joseph's Hospice. He was born in Ladysmith, WI on January 31, 1938, the son of Dr. Maurice and Florence (Harvey) Whalen. Michael graduated from Bruce High School in 1956. He joined the U.S. Navy, served as an airplane radar operator in Hawaii and Alaska, until his honorable discharge in 1960. After vocational school he was employed by Schumacher Accounting Service, Bark River Culvert Company and Fritz Koepl Excavating Contractors, until his retirement in 2002. Michael was a member of St. Olaf Catholic Parish, where he was a member of the Men's Club. He also was a member of John F. Kennedy Council #1257 Knights of Columbus, where he had been a member of the bowling league. Among his favorite hobbies were deer hunting and wood working. Michael married Sharon M. Weber on April 11, 1975, in Eau Claire. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; two sons, John of Ham Lake, MN, and Maurice of Ham Lake, MN; a daughter, Julie Murray-Whalen of Eau Claire; three grandchildren, Danika and Carlie Whalen and Andrew Murray; his mother, Florence Whalen of Bruce; two brothers, Thomas (Marie) of New Auburn and Gerald (Marylane) of Eau Claire; two sisters, Kathleen (James) Smith of Sunflower, AZ and Mary Whalen of Eau Claire; and by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Michael was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Maurice Whalen. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 18, 2009, at St. Olaf Catholic Church with Father Brian Konopa celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in Prairie View Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by American Legion Post #53. Visitation will be one hour prior to Mass on Monday at the church. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family. Memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer's Association of Greater WI, 1227B Menomonie St., Eau Claire, WI 54703, or to St. Joseph's Hospice, 2661 Cty Hwy I, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729. The family wishes to express special thanks for the excellent care Michael received at Heritage Memory Care and St. Joseph's Hospice.

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