Joseph Thomas Whelan

JOSEPH THOMAS WHELAN, age 56 died on Thursday, July 14, 2011 following a long illness, at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. Except for his liberal politics, Joe was a total conservative in his outlook on life, his dress and his everyday activities. Joe loved his family, loved Notre Dame and faithfully followed his beloved Chicago Cubs. Among his daily activities was avidly reading the New York Times. Born in West Allis, Wisconsin, the son of the late Erwin and Elizabeth Crosswaite Whelan, Joe graduated from Menomonee Falls High School in Wisconsin. He went to South Bend and graduated from Notre Dame in 1976, and received a Master's Degree from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 1983. He went to work in the office of the Mayor of Chicago (at that time Jane Byrne), and then became the Director of Communications for the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. In 1995, he started his own public relations firm, Whelan Communications. He was a founding member and still serves on the Board of Directors for Chicago's Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. Surviving Wife: Kimberly Koval, M.D.\Surviving Children: Ciarán, Liam, Éamonn, and Róisín Son-in-law of: Robert & Patricia Koval, and the late Sarah A. Koval Brother-in-law of: Robert Koval Visitation: Monday, July 18, 2011, from 2-8 PM at A. J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Road, Troy, MI 48084 (between Maple and Big Beaver Roads), with an evening Scripture Service at 7 PM Funeral Mass: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 – 10:00 AM at Holy Name Church, 630 Harmon at Woodland, Birmingham, Michigan, with Rev. Msgr. John Zenz officiating, and Rev. L. Scott Donahue as homilist. Visitation at church begins Tuesday at 9:00 AM Interment: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, Michigan Memorial Tributes may be made to: Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, 1140 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607 -or- The Holy Name SEED Foundation, 630 Harmon, Birmingham, MI 48009 ** Tribute from Fr. Scott Donahue: In Loving Memory--Joseph T. Whelan Dear Friends, It is with profound sadness that we announce the very untimely passing of our dear friend and fellow board member Joe Whelan. Joe was called home to God yesterday afternoon following a long series of health problems. Joe leaves behind a loving wife, Kim, four beautiful children, Ciaran, Liam, Eamonn and Roisin, and a legacy of faithful service to his community, to his church, and to Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. He was 56 years old. At a time when our world needs more people in possession of keen minds, gentle manners, and compassionate souls, Joe's passing is a truly devastating loss for us all. And though we mourn his death today, we also celebrate his life, forever grateful that God has blessed us by bringing Joe into our Mercy Home family. Joe was gifted with a superb intellect and many talents which he shared so generously with others, especially with Mercy Home, so that we might bring healing to more hurting young people. In his decades of service to this mission, he played a central role in so many seminal moments in our evolution and expansion. As you know, he was a founding member of Mercy Home's Board of Regents and a member of the board's communications committee. Joe was an extraordinarily gifted writer who prized words and the English language. A graduate of both Notre Dame and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard, he was also one of the most deeply thoughtful and well-read people I have ever known. Joe was widely versed in politics, current events and history. When Mercy Home celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1987, Joe spent countless hours constructing a detailed history of our mission. As we approach our 125th anniversary next year, we will honor Joe's memory by updating his amazing work with a chronicling of the 25 years that have passed since. Joe's dedication to his community went beyond Mercy Home, and was demonstrated by his service as executive assistant to former Chicago Mayor Jane Byrne and chief writer at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange under the leadership of Jack Sandner. It was during his time at CME that Joe became a central proponent behind the creation of Ringside for Mercy's Sake, which continues today as our signature fundraising event and which will mark its 20th year this October. Joe's deep and abiding commitment to the Church and his faith in God compelled him to serve others, and he viewed Mercy Home's work as an extension of the Church's mission in the world. His example is an inspiration to all of us. Through the gifts that Joe has given so freely during his life, his name will live on in death, and his impact will be felt forever, not only by those who knew and loved him, but also by generations of children yet to come to Mercy Home. Please join me in prayer for Joe's family, whom he cherished, during their time of sorrow. May God bring them comfort in their memories, and healing through His tender mercy. Blessings Fr. Scott I am privileged to have been asked to concelebrate the funeral Mass for Joe.