LeRoy Donald Whalen

Our beloved dad, Lee, born March 18, 1921 to Edward and Hilda Whalen in Galva, Iowa, died January 23, 2014 at home in Renton. Married to our beautiful mom, Delphine, 66 years before she died (2011), he died on what would have been her 88th birthday. We believe she lobbied to get him Home for her everlasting party.

After graduating high school and working the family farm 5 years, Lee entered U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942. Sergeant LeRoy Whalen married Delphine M. Gaudian November 11, 1944. He was honorably discharged in December 1945 and moved his family to Seattle. Lee joined Seattle Fire Department in February 1947; their family grew to include 7 children (one son, Dennis, died in 1994). Lee retired in September 1973, completing 26 years of commendable service. Other employment consisted of delivering for Hill Fuel Co. and Evergreen Produce, and installing carpet. In his later years, he relished being a school bus driver, sharing heartwarming stories about kids he met.

Lee (with Del) was an enthusiastic league bowler as long as anyone can remember. They also enjoyed many RV outings with Seattle Retired Firefighters. An avid fisherman, Lee enjoyed sharing the fun with children and grandchildren. He was a long-time member of Knights of Columbus at St. Edward parish, serving as Grand Knight 1975-76.

Lee's remaining family includes sisters Maxine Flanagan and Bonnie Whalen; children Michael (Andrea), Steven (Sheila), Patrick (Karen), Kathlyn Lunceford (Dale), Richard (Patti), and Julie Pizzuto (Frank); 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Anthony Catholic Church (314 S. 4th St., Renton) at 3:00 pm Friday, February 7, 2014. A reception follows at Leisure Estates Community Center (201 Union Ave. SE, Renton).

Arrangements under the direction of Greenwood Funeral Home, Renton, WA.