William J. "Bill" Whalen

1945 - 2025

William "Bill" J. Whalen

June 16, 1945 - August 21, 2025

It is with deep sadness and much love that we announce the passing of William "Bill" Whalen on August 21, 2025 at the age of 80.

Bill was born on June 16, 1945 in Duluth, MN to Emmet and Nathalie Whalen. After graduating from Duluth Denfeld High School, Bill attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he earned his bachelor's degree before enlisting in the U.S. Army and proudly serving his country. It was also in Duluth where Bill met the love of his life Joanne. They married June 11, 1971 and shortly after moved to Eau Claire, WI where he would live the rest of his life as a loving husband, father and grandfather. He spent his career as a proud and dedicated employee of Heritage Insurance (Acuity Insurance). Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joanne; children, Jennifer (Joe) and Ryan (Kari); and grandchildren, Riley, Laney and Preston. He is also survived by his sister, Claudia (Bill) as well as other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bill loved being a husband, dad and friend, always putting others before himself. He was quick to lend a hand and had an easy going style. He was very involved in his children's lives, spending much of his younger years chauffeuring them around in the "Bill Mobile" and cheering them on at their many activities. He and Joanne loved to travel and explore the local bike trails. Bill also enjoyed the simple things in life, such as tinkering around the house and yard, running errands, watching the Vikings and Twins, morning coffee with the "guys," and taking catnaps. He especially cherished outings with Joanne, family and friends, often accompanied by a Brandy Old Fashioned.

Bill was a loving "Bumpa" and his three grandchildren were his pride and joy. He proudly followed their activities and accomplishments, creating happy memories with sleepovers, trips to the park and mall and cheering them on from the sidelines. When illness prevented him from attending in person, he found new ways to participate, eagerly requesting videos and photos to witness their lives and share in their accomplishments. Nothing brought him more happiness than being their Bumpa.

Bill touched many lives and was blessed to have loving family and friends by his side. Despite a decade-long commitment to kidney dialysis he kept a positive attitude and an eagerness to live life. A special thank you to the London Road Dialysis Team and the staff at Dove Healthcare South for their care and support.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 3:00PM at Hulke Family Funeral Home. Visitation will take place that day at the funeral home from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service. A private family committal service will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in Eau Claire.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com. Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.