Jean Ellen Whelan

Jean Ellen (Cook) Whelan, 89, of Duluth, MN, passed away February 27th, 2024. She spent her final days at home surrounded by the love of her family looking out onto Lake Superior and listening to Willie Nelson albums. Jean was born March 1, 1934, in St. Paul, MN to Clifford and Bernice Cook. She graduated from Graceville High School and then Moorhead State Teachers College. In 1954, she met Clarence in Silver Bay, MN where she was hired to teach first grade. On August 28th, 1956, they were joined in marriage at St. Michael’s Church and together raised four children. In 1968, Jean and Clarence built their family home on the Northshore of Lake Superior where she spent time in her flower and vegetable gardens. Jean worked as the Director/Teacher of the St. Michael’s Raggedy Ann Pre-School. She had an abundance of patience for all, especially children. She shared her compassion for others by caring for those in need; volunteering for meals on wheels, St. Michael’s funeral lunch ladies, Used A Bit, and after retirement helping to rebuild Bayou La Batre, AL for a decade following Hurricane Katrina. Jean loved camping on the Sawbill Trail with friends, visiting national parks, knitting, birding, going to the “40”, fishing on Isle Royale, and closer to home; baking pumpkin pies, making “grandma jam” and eating chocolate. She considered her four children and their families her greatest accomplishment. She leaves a legacy of happiness, grace, and love of family.

She was preceded in death by her loving son Joe; her parents; and sister’s Patty and Sharon. She will be deeply missed by her husband of 67 years, Clarence; children Kathy (Michael) O’Rourke, Jim Whelan, and Patty (Steve Preckel) Whelan all of Duluth, sister Joyce Degree of Santa Ana, CA, grandchildren Kevin, Ryan, David, Nicole, Josie, Monique, David, Ellen, Adam, Ross and great-grandchildren Athena, Arren, Ruby, Clara, Brighton, Lila, Rowan, Kyla, Wesley, Jack, Lola, Avril, Zane, Lennon, and Sunny.
Visitation on Thur., March 7th from 5-7 p.m. in St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 4901 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55804, and continues Fri., March 8th at 10 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Calvary Cemetery
Memorials are preferred and may be directed to the Early Childhood Programs at Stella Maris Academy. A live-stream of the Funeral Mass will be available on St. Michael's YouTube page: St. Michael's Catholic Church - Duluth, MN Live Stream (youtube.com)