Gloria Whalen

Gloria Martelle Whalen, 91, of West Des Moines, Iowa, passed away February 14th, 2022, after a brief illness. A memorial service will take place at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder, Nevada on Monday, March 28th at 12 Noon followed by burial.

Gloria was born in Helper, UT to Victor Martelle and Verla (Blake) Martelle on February 9th, 1931. The family made their way to Reno, NV in the forties where she graduated from Reno High School and the University of Nevada, Reno. While at the University she met the love of her life, Thomas Whalen, whom she married in 1952. Gloria had fond memories of being the wife of a career Army Officer, living across the US, Hawaii and Europe, and raising three sons.

After retirement from the Army, Thomas and Gloria lived in Roseburg, OR before returning to their hometown of Reno, NV. There, Gloria volunteered with the Assistance League of Reno-Sparks and as a local board Member for the Selective Service System. In 1993 they moved to Las Vegas to be closer to family. This past year Gloria moved to Iowa to be closer to her son Patrick and his family.

Gloria was a wonderful homemaker and seamstress. She loved to sew and made clothes for herself, sons and grandchildren as well as teaching her granddaughters how to sew. She showed her love through cooking and handing down recipes to the next generations of family. She was generous with love and always put family first. She was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother and will be missed by all.

Gloria is survived by her sons Patrick (Shelley) of Cumming, IA, and Tim (Carrie) of DuPont, WA, daughter-in-law Jennifer Whalen of Las Vegas, sister Judy (Les) Fenner of Las Vegas, brother Ace (Cathy) Martelle of Reno, eight grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren with two on the way. She is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, LTC Thomas Whalen, her son Dr James Whalen, her parents, and brothers Blake and William Martelle.

We would like to thank everyone who took such great care of Gloria so that her family was able to enjoy her for ninety-one great years. In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite veterans’ charity.