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Keegan Whaling Obituary

Keegan John Whaling VALPARAISO, IN - Keegan John Whaling, age 20 of Valparaiso, passed away Sunday, October 29, 2017. He was born January 6, 1997 to Matt and Dena (Lindsley) Whaling, graduated from Valparaiso High School in 2015 and was currently a junior at IUPUI. Keegan was a member of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church. His gentle nature, kind heart and loving spirit endeared him to countless peers and life mentors. Keegan's accepting philosophy made him a friend to everyone he ever encountered. May his generous and peaceful attributes continue to live on through the lives of his friends and family in honor of Keegan. Survivors include his parents, Matt and Dena Whaling; sister, Madelyn Whaling; grandparents: Gaye Lindsley, Mike and Ronnie Lindsley, Bob and Kathleen Whaling-Drotar; great grandmother, Fannie Lindsley, all of Valparaiso and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, John Whaling and Patrick Dougherty. A visitation will be held Sunday from 12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m. at MOELLER FUNERAL HOME, Valparaiso. The funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. Monday at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, 1511 LaPorte Ave., Valparaiso, Rev. Chris Stanish and Rev. Kevin McCarthy officiating.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times on Nov. 2, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Keegan Whaling

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jeanne Pingel

January 26, 2018

I am so sorry to hear that Keegan died (not passed away; the medical community hates that word). To lose a 20-yr. old must be awful. You will be in my prayers.

Sharon and Dean Lauer

November 25, 2017

Dear Whaling Family,
We were so very sorry to learn of the tragedy that took Keegan's life. He must have been a terrific young man, and we pray the comments people have written bring you some comfort. Our hearts and prayers are with you all. May God's blessings be with you all.

Marsha- Greenworx Landscaping Employee

November 23, 2017

Love and Light to Matt & Dena the parents of Keegan,& to all of the Whaling family and friends.

paula stewart

November 21, 2017

I'm so sorry for his passing. My oldest son Jacob graduated with him at Valparaiso high school. Prayers for the family.

Jason Miller

November 15, 2017

Matt and Dena, I came across this unfortunate news and I just wanted to let you know how sorry I was to hear it. I'll be thinking of you and your family. Jason Miller

Janine and Alan Bercovitz

November 7, 2017

Our son, Nathan, who is an IU Bton student was a friend of Keegan's. We never had the privilege of meeting this amazing young man but having a 20 year old son cannot imagine this loss. Please know that you are in our prayers.
Janine and Alan Bercovitz

Mitch and Shelly Ulman

November 7, 2017

Matt and Dena,
Please accept our deepest sympathies on the loss of your dear son Keegan. We hope your memories of him and the comfort of your friends and family will give you strength and peace in the days ahead. We're thinking of you.

Kathleen BETHIA Piekarski

November 7, 2017

#belikekeegan. Our love and prayers.

Arlene and Will Gross

November 6, 2017

So sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

November 5, 2017

Jer and I are sending our love and support to you and Deana. Please know that you are in our prayers.

Kathy Danzi

November 5, 2017

Our prayers and hearts are with all of you. - Fred, Kathy Quintin, Colin and Troy Danzi

November 5, 2017

Our hearts are with you these days, so very sorry.
Carl and Mary Hurst

Tammy Forrest

November 5, 2017

Matt, Dena, Marty, our hearts go out to you in this time of your loss of your son Keegan. We are praying for the Lord presence to be upon you all. Love Rick, Tammy, Christian Forrest.

November 5, 2017

Matt, Dena and Mady- we are so deeply sorry for your loss. We are sending love and prayers to all of you during this difficult time. xo With love, Bill and Sue Texeira

Ginger Dusek

November 5, 2017

Dena & Matt, I'm sorry for your loss and send you thoughts and prayers of love and healing.

Tanya Eltzroth

November 5, 2017

Dear Whaling Family,
I was so hoping that you would have sunshine today and tomorrow as you face what I can only imagine will be two very difficult and surreal days for you. I am praying that you'll be comforted by the love that surrounds you. Keegan was my son Nick's first and best friend at IUPUI. They met right at start of the school year last year and were fast friends. When I met Keegan it was very easy to see why - he was so open, genuine, joyful and funny. I remember telling Nick, "I really like him!" and Nick said, "Yeah, Keegan is a good guy - he's one of the nicest people I've ever met." I had the pleasure of seeing and talking to Keegan only on occasion after that day but he and Nick remained close friends. Nick had the good fortune of visiting Keegan there in Valparaiso a couple of times and loved those visits. He was worried that they wouldn't see one another as often once they both moved off campus this year but thankfully they continued to get together for good conversation and adventures on a regular basis. Nick last spoke with Keegan two days before he left to head home to Valpo this last time. I was with him when he found out about Keegan's accident. He is traveling to Valparaiso this morning along with a couple of carloads of Keegan's other Indy buddies with a heavy heart. Keegan was truly loved by all of them and will remain with them in their memories of such a loving, loyal friend. I will continue to pray for your family and Keegan. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him.

Gary& Mona Nondorf

November 5, 2017

We were so sorry to hear about Keegan. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Nicholas Ferlus

November 5, 2017

It is so sad any time we loose a loved one. Especially someone so young. Just know that your family, in this sad time, is loved by many and are in our thoughts and prayers.

Kelly O'Connor

November 4, 2017

I'm sorry to hear about your loss of your son I also loss a loved one at a early age. My brother he was only 19 he died in a helicopter accident. I asked myself why God took him from us so early I say to others God must have needed him more in heaven then we needed him on earth I know he's a guardian angel . Keep your faith strong.

Amber Marrs

November 4, 2017

Extending our deepest heartfelt sympathies during this very tragic time for your family. May the peace and love of the Lord provide you with comfort and strength.

Jeff, Molly and Peri Burrow

November 4, 2017

Matt, Dena and Maddie,

We are so terribly, terribly sorry to hear of Keegan's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time of sorrow. We hope and pray that you are able to find comfort in knowing that God will be there for Keegan and for all of you. With our deepest condolences and in loving memory of your cherished boy.

Julie Harvey (Dabrowski)

November 3, 2017

I am so sorry. Sending love, prayers and strength to your whole family.

jeff lawson

November 3, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss!!!!!!!!

Louise Arndt

November 3, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss and I hope that the prayers and kind words will ease your loss as time passes. Prayers for all of you.
Louise Arndt
Retiree Purdue North Central

Karen Ulm-Evans

November 3, 2017

Dena & Matt. I am so sorry for your loss. I can't even begin to find the right words to say because no words can heal your pain. May God grant you all the strength to endure this tragic loss. May He also help you & your family to find peace within. My thoughts & prayers are with you.

November 3, 2017

Dena and Matt, no words can express how sad we are to hear of Keegan's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
God bless you and all your family.
Pam, Jeff, Val and Sam Johnson

Roberta Kicinski

November 3, 2017

So very, very sorry for your loss. You have my prayers for strength, healing and understanding.

Kim Kinney

November 3, 2017

Matt, Dena and Maddy. Our hearts break for you and your entire family. Please know youvare loved by an entire community. We pray for strength and courage for you during this time. We love you. Bill and Kim Kinney.

Bernie Morgano

November 3, 2017

Matt and Dena - I'm so very sorry. Your family is in our prayers.
The Morgano family

Rutendo Rukunda

November 3, 2017

Losing someone so young and at the peak of their life is heartbreaking and devastating. My sincere condolences to your family. May you somehow find peace and comfort during this difficult time. My prayers to your family.

David Neeley

November 3, 2017

My heart is broken for all of you and I am awed by the out pour of love and support from your family and friends. I hope it will bring you comfort in your time of unfathomable grief.

Laura Gibson

November 3, 2017

Please accept my deepest most heartfelt condolences on the loss of this precious soul.
I had the greatest of pleasures to meet Keegan once, he was charming and warm, his smile lit up the room. During this short meeting he made me laugh with some cute puns....as I met him with his cousin (my daughter-in-law), I remember hugging him and telling him you're family now
My heart breaks for his dear parents Dena & Matt.
Please know that you and your family will be in my prayers.

Sandi

November 3, 2017

Oh Lord I lift up this family for your healing, comfort, peace, strength and courage. I ask that you will surround them with Your Love, Presence and Light in this time of darkness. Let them know Lord they are not alone for you are always with them. I give you thanks for your healing for this family in Jesus name, amen. The peace of Christ be with you all! praying for you.

November 3, 2017

Matt, Dena, and Mady Girl,
There is no way anyone can understand what you are feeling. Keeg was an amazing man with such an amazing soul. Let perpetual light shine upon him.
The Puszczewiczs

Keenan Family

November 3, 2017

Our hearts ache for you during this most difficult time. Know we are lifting all of you up in prayer and will continue to do so. May you be comforted by the love that surrounds you.

Mr. & Mrs. Refugio & Rosie Recio

November 3, 2017

Parents of Keegan & sister, Our Condolences & Prayers for Your terrible loss. God &His Loving Mother Surround their arms around you all, Giving you Courage & Strength. Jesus I Trust in You...(my sister Silvia G. had us praying for your family)

Nicholas Boubourekas

November 3, 2017

Keegan was an all around guy. Everyone loved him and he could always put a smile on your face. Rest In Peace my dear friend.

Dee Dee Thompson

November 3, 2017

Matt and Dena,
So sorry for your loss. May God comfort and watch over you and your family during this difficult time!
All my love and prayers!

Karen Birmingham

November 3, 2017

Dear Matty and Family-I can not imagine the loss you must be feeling. Although I did not have the pleasure of meeting your son, I can tell that he touched so many lives with his love and kindness. Those who knew him are definitely better because he was in their lives and he made a huge and lasting difference. I pray that you keep his memory alive and find peace in your faith. Much love

Lisa Claypool

November 2, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss I can't even imagine the pain you are feeling prayers to you and your family

Jill, , Jeff , Haley and Grady Taylor

November 2, 2017

Matt, Dena, and Mady Girl,
No words can touch the pain but know Keeg will always be with us in everything we do. The lessons that Keeg has taught us and will continue to do so will be for a lifetime. He was one of a kind. You were the best parents/sister to him and he felt that with all of his heart. His memory will live on in us all forever and he will always be close by. Love to you and your entire family as it has been shown how much you are all loved by this community.

Cassandra Sanchez

November 2, 2017

Dear Whaling Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. My son Tony was friends with Keegan and he is absolutely devastated by his passing. I cannot fathom the pain you are feeling, but I pray that the love that so many people have for Keegan will bring you some comfort.

With Deepest Sympathy,

Hannah Carl

November 2, 2017

I've known Keegan since 6th grade. He was always the one kid in school everyone knew. He was so kind & so funny! I've always admired how he just got along with everyone he met. To this day there isn't a person who can say a bad thing about him, he was an amazing friend, son, grandson, cousin, and more. Keegan was one of those special people that you know had a great heart. It's a disservice that this happened to him, & I hope your family can finally find peace someday. Rest well Keegan. You'll be greatly missed. ❤

November 2, 2017

Dear Matt and Dena,
Words cannot express the sorrow and pain we feel for the loss of your son, Keegan. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family at this difficult time.
With our deepest sympathy, Al and Debbie Hanaway

Anthony Duron

November 2, 2017

I met Keegan by chance at the coffee shop and through mutual friends. Keegan was such a nice guy and he lit up the room with his positivity. I enjoyed catching up with him and he always gave a hug when he'd say hello. My heart breaks for your family and my prayers are with you all during this time. Know that you raised an outstanding young man who impacted so many people.

Bianca Vasquez

November 2, 2017

I am very saddened by this loss. Keegan always knew how to brighten someone's day. We always exchanged music and talked about life, the world will not be the same without you, Keeg.
My condolences to you and your family. Your son was loved beyond belief, I hope you will find peace in the love that Keegan shared with all of us.

Lydia Vasquez

November 2, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time Cherish the memories

Mike & Chris Wendahl

November 2, 2017

Whaling family, Our hearts ache for your devastating loss. Prayers to you for peace and healing. Love and blessings, Mike & Chris Wendahl

Leslie Plesac

November 2, 2017

There are no words....I am so very sorry for your loss. You are held in love and friendship during this difficult time.

Heather ONeil Wheele

November 2, 2017

Matt and Dena I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved son. Keeping you all in constant prayer. I keep hearing so many wonderful things about how amazing of a soul he had from so many people. He will live on in the hearts of so many.

Ron Van Sessen

November 2, 2017

Matt and Dena, I cannot begin to tell you how sorry I am. Your family has been and will continue to be in my prayers. May God's love give you strength and may the love of everyone around you support and comfort you during this painful time.

Kelli Ellis (Lippens)

November 2, 2017

I'm so sorry for your loss Matt and Dena. My prayers are with your family.

Barry Warrenburg

November 2, 2017

Matty, my heart and my prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time.

ROSE CLEMANS

November 2, 2017

So sorry for your loss Matt and Dena, may god be with you and your family at this time

Cindy, Jeff, Ryan & Rachel Vendl

November 2, 2017

Dear Whaling Family,

Our deepest sympathies and prayers for healing and peace within goes out to you. Every time I saw this young man he was always sweet, pleasant, kind and genuine with his greetings and conversations with us. Know that you raised an EXCEPTIONAL good man! Be proud of that! Keegan will forever live in our hearts and memories. May he always drink the perfect cup of coffee up in heaven. ❤

Mary Bucy

November 2, 2017

Gaye & Chance
My Heart aches for you & Your Family
My Thoughts & Prayers are with You All
I wish you peace and comfort at this very difficult time. Hugs to all of you

Bob and Angie Burns

November 2, 2017

Dina and Matt
Words can't begin to express how sorry we are for your loss. We pray that god helps to ease your pain from this terrible tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

Deb Pratt

November 2, 2017

So very saddened by the loss of Keegan. Such a wonderful young man with so much potential. My heart breaks for your family's loss. I vividly remember getting Lily, Ladd, Keegan, and Madelyn together for some playdates with Gaye and myself. He was such a vibrant, vivacious little guy. He will be missed by many.

Tina Glover

November 2, 2017

No words can express the pain you are all feeling , we are truly sorry for your loss . We were neighbors and our kids went to school together. Again, our thoughts and prayers are with you all through this difficult time .

Karyn Custer-Jankowski

November 2, 2017

Dear Whalings - Our hearts break for you all and all of Keegan's extended family members, during this unimaginable time of grief. Know there are SO MANY who felt such love for your Keegan, and who are in pain over this loss. Our hearts go out to you and Yours and we pray for your strength, for God's peace, and for closure. With love, The Jankowski Family; Karyn, David, Kimberly, and Kathryn

Rose Andrie

November 2, 2017

For we cannot know the pain you feel. We cannot share your memories or your loss. Our words of sympathy are beneath measure, yet know our hearts reach out with love to you all.
The Andrie Family

George Nietert

November 2, 2017

Matt and Dena,
Words can never express what such a loss as this means. Please know that I mourn with you for this unfortunate occurrence. May the Lord comfort you during this time.

November 2, 2017

Dena,Matty,and Mady,
Please know we are praying for you and holding all of you in our hearts.
Love,
Phil Kunze and Donna Quint

Tatum Crone

November 2, 2017

Keegan had a special way of lighting up the room with just his presence. I will forever be grateful for my friendship and the memories I shared with him.

Denise Gehrke-Sons

November 2, 2017

Dena, and Matt- so terribly sorry for your loss. My prayers are being sent to hopefuly ease the pain.

Laura Christy

November 2, 2017

May God hold Keegan in his loving arms. Rest in Peace.

November 2, 2017

You have been in our thought s and prayers constantly. May Gods strength help you endure the heartbreaking loss of your beautiful son.
Troy and Lori Pikula

Jane Cooper

November 2, 2017

Although I don't know your family personally, my heart is breaking for you all. My sister drowned when she was 18, I was 19. I wish that no one ever had to experience a loss like this. I have also lost a daughter in death to an illness. My heart and prayers go out to Keegan's parents, sister, grandparents and the entire family and community. If you ever need to talk to someone who has been through this indescribable pain, Please reach out to me. I am here in Valpo if that would be helpful now or in the future. Jesus said: "weep with those who weep:. That I am for you. All the best, Jane Cooper

November 2, 2017

I am so sorry to read of your sons death. So young! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Judie fisher(jeff and mark fisher mom)

Stafford Family

November 2, 2017

We did not know Keegan but knew of him through your family members. We cannot express how sincerely sorry we are for the loss of your Son, Brother, Grandson, Nephew, and Cousin! May you all find comfort in the memories you shared with Keegan.

Karen Novina

November 2, 2017

Matty,Dena and Mady, praying you have your closure soon. You and family are in my deepest thoughts and prayers.

Paul & Pat GLINSKI

November 2, 2017

Matt and Dena, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. It's tough when you loose a child. God Bless!!

Lily Bute

November 1, 2017

I did not know Keegan personally, but heard about him through a mutual friend and wanted to reach out. I am very sorry for your loss. My sincerest thoughts and condolences go out to Keegan's family and friends.

Suzanne Johnson

November 1, 2017

Matt and Dena,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you durning your time of need.

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