Daniel "Dan" A. Whalen

Daniel "Dan" A. Whalen, 84, of New Berlin, passed away at 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community. Dan was born August 7, 1932 in Jacksonville, the son of Dennis and Mary Kennedy Whalen. He married Nancy Gaffigan in 1961 in Springfield. She preceded him in death on June 15, 2005. Dan graduated from Routt High School, and was also a graduate of Notre Dame (1954). He proudly served in the United States Army from 1955 until 1957. After the Army, Dan worked as an actuary at Franklin Life for 38 years, from 1957-1995. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus #4372 in New Berlin. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening, and watching sports. Dan was a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Notre Dame fan. He was also preceded in death by his parents; son, Stephen Whalen; two brothers, Thomas and Joseph Whalen; and two sisters, Mary Caldwell and Anne Martin. He is survived by three sons, Kevin (Diana) Whalen of Gridley, David (Angel) Whalen of Springfield, VA, and Greg Whalen of Bloomington; daughter, Gina (Steve) Doerner of Enfield, CT; and five grandchildren, Shawna LaGreca, Carly Whalen, Logan Whalen, Maia Doerner, and Riley Doerner. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 31, 2017 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 South 6th St., Springfield. The visitation will begin with a prayer service. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 East Lawrence Ave., Springfield, with Rev. Christopher House officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes Childrens Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148.