A funeral will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2025 for 80-year-old Donald E. Whelan of Evansille, Illinois, who passed away at 1:34 pm, Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, Illinois.
He was born November 2, 1944 in Red Bud, Illinois, son of Edward G. and Lucille A. (nee Johanning) Whelan who, both, preceded him in death.
Donald married Janet Caroline Burmester on September 25, 1965, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Red Bud (Prairie), Illinois; she preceded him in death on December 30, 2018.
He is survived by three children: Dwayne (Karen) Whelan, Douglas (Nancy) Whelan
and Delana Whelan; seven grandchildren: Gavin Braun, Merideth Whelan, William Whelan, Benjamin Whelan, Derek Whelan, Julia Whelan, and Jenna Whelan
and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was also preceded in death by two sons: Darrick Whelan and Donald “Donnie” E. Whelan, Jr. and a brother and sister-in-law: Ronald and Gerladine “Geri” Whelan.
He was a heavy equipment operator for Whelan Brothers Construction for over 35 years.
After his retirement, he worked at Ruma Convent for over five years until it closed.
He also farmed throughout his life.
Donald was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Evansville, Illinois, where he was very active and served as an Elder and Trustee. He and Janet felt very strongly about Christian education. They were instrumental in building Christ Our Savior Lutheran High School, where they spent many hours helping with planning, building, and fundraising.
Donald enjoyed helping others and volunteering his time, from church to lunch stands to Special Olympics and hosting special needs day camps at their farm. He was known as “the fixer,” and there wasn’t much his wife dreamt up that he couldn’t make happen. From costumes to building Noah’s Ark and a fiery furnace for plays, he would make it happen.
Donald enjoyed camping, nature, and bluegrass festivals. Most of all, he loved spending time with family, especially his grandkids, puttering around in the shed and sitting on the front porch with his furry friends, enjoying his music, and watching the sunset.
Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Monday and 10-11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Evansville, Illinois.
A funeral for 80-year-old Donald E. Whelan of Evansille, Illinois will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Evansville, Illinois with the Rev. Randy Fischer officiating.
Interment will be at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery in Evansville, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church or Family Wishes.
To view this obituary and sign the register book visit www.wpfh.net