John Charles Whalen

John ''Jack'' Whalen, age 74, passed away on June 29, 2011 at Doctor's Hospital in Modesto, CA. Jack was born on October 27, 1936 to parents, Joseph Dode Whalen and Florence (McKelvey) Whalen Wensel in North Irwin, PA. Jack's parents divorced when he was around 10 years old. His mother later remarried Revis Wensel, and in 1948, together they moved their combined family to Livermore, CA. Jack graduated from Livermore High School in 1955. He was very athletic and played many sports, he especially loved football and was always proud that he ran a 92 yard touchdown against Liberty High School, putting the first score on a new scoreboard donated by Bill Bonetti.

After high school Jack worked mostly in construction and was hired by John Deetz in 1956, where he worked for over 40 years. In 1959, he married his loving wife Lenore. Together they had three children, Sheila, Eric and Linda. They raised their family in both Livermore and Pleasanton.

Jack loved to deer hunt and took many trips out of state; Wyoming, Nevada, Idaho, Colorado and New Mexico. He always dreamed of getting the big one. He also loved heavy equipment and was a very good operator. In 1983, Mr. Deetz retired and Jack started up his own construction company with his wife Lenore at his side. They retired in 1993. In 1999, they moved to Oakdale, CA near the Stanislaus River where they enjoyed having a few acres on the river.

Jack was a man's man. He was true to his word and deeds, a man you could count on. He was truly a ''Jack of all trades.'' He had a great sense of humor and was always fun to be with. Every Friday he looked forward to having breakfast with the boys, Louie, Ken and Ron. They were always around to help each other out and were with Jack to the end. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. Jack loved his family so much, they meant the world to him. He will be truly missed by all. There was always a feeling of comfort while in his presence.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Lenore: children, Sheila Whalen of Oakdale, CA, Eric (Sonya) Whalen of Moulton, AL, Linda (Brent) Dickinson; grand- children, Ryan (Jessica) Richey, Cole, Hannah, Beau Whalen of Moulton, AL, Lauren and Lexi Dickinson of Oakdale, CA; step-grandson Adam (Vivian) Dickinson of Camp Pendleton, CA; great-grandchildren, Ryan Jr. and Kallen Richey of Livemore, CA; brother, Ed (Ann) Wensel of Livermore, CA; sister, Cindy Kanitz of Thomasville, GA; sister-in-law, Nancy (Peter) Lomax of Greenbrae, CA; brother-in-law, Larry (Maxine) Farnam of Dublin, CA; Jack Mendribil of Millbrae, CA; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Jack was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Shirley Thompson and Connie Mendribil.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Lakewood Memorial Park in the New Chapel, 900 Santa Fe Ave., Hughson, CA. A reception to follow will be announced at the end of the service. Inurnment is private. Remembrances may be made in Jack's memory to the American Heart Association or to the American Cancer Society .