Patrick Whalen

Patrick Whalen passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2024 with his children present at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Visitation will take place from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at the Church of St. Mary in Larchwood, Iowa. A prayer service will take place at 7:00 that evening at the church.

A funeral mass will take place at 1:00 PM, Thursday, November 21, 2024 at the Church of St. Mary in Larchwood, with Father Sunny Dominic, celebrating.  Burial will follow in Larchwood Cemetery.

Patrick Joseph Whalen passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2024 with his children present. In the previous days, he was surrounded by his loved ones as they told stories and shared fond memories.

 Patrick was born at McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, on October 16, 1959. He was the fifth of 13 children of Theresa & Patrick Whalen (deceased) of Hartford, SD. He is survived by four of his own beautiful and talented children: Andrew “AJ” Whalen (wife Erica, granddaughter Reese and second grandchild due in April) of Larchwood, IA; Dylan Whalen of Des Moines, IA; Lydia Whalen of Larchwood, IA; and Elena Whalen of Larchwood, IA. He also leaves behind his devoted partner and companion of many years, Janet Soper. 

 Other loving survivors include his siblings: Christine Rich (Michael); Kathie Heim (Bill); Mark Whalen (Joy); Colleen Bassett (Troy); Mary Jo Prawer (Frank); Lisa Walter (William); Maria Hosley (Dan); and Bill Whalen (Lesta). Other survivors include: Former wife and loving mother of his children, Tammy Whalen Kremer; predeceased eldest brother Michael (Roxanne); predeceased younger brother Thomas; and two younger siblings who passed after their births. 

 Being part of a very large, Irish Catholic family (as noted above!), Patrick also has numerous nieces and nephews – too many to name here but all dear to him.

 Patrick attended McLeod Country Grade School and graduated from West Central High School in 1977. His passion–both as a profession and a hobby–was cooking. He used his talent as Head Chef at the Sioux Falls Holiday Inn, as an owner of the restaurant, Glenwood Inn in Inwood, Iowa, and chef at Grand Falls Casino. Whether preparing food for community events, serving elegant dinners for guests, or preparing simple and comforting meals for family gatherings, it’s clear that Pat’s “love language” was making food for others. 

 He also enjoyed gardening–even tending to copious amounts of kale and tomatoes up until the weeks before his passing–and golfing, playing cards, and simply spending time with his family and friends. Patrick experienced many ups and downs in life, and he tried his best to conquer the challenges he faced. He was a kind soul, and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.