September, 12th 1941 – Monday, July 29, 2013
Service Information
Church of St. Francis in Buffalo, MN
Saturday, August 3, 2013
11:00 A.M.
Visitation Information
AT THE CHURCH
Friday, August 2, 2013
4-8 P.M.
James P. Whalen, age 71, of Buffalo, MN passed away on July 29, 2013 at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, MN.
Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 11 AM at St. Francis Catholic Church, Buffalo, MN.
Visitation on Friday from 4-8 PM with a prayer service at 7:30 PM also at the church.
Inurnment at St. Francis Cemetery, Buffalo, MN.
Jim was born on September 12, 1941 to James H. & Margaret Julia (Garland) Whalen in Denver, CO. He graduated from St. Joseph’s Prep School & received his Bachelors of Art degree from Holy Redeemer College. Jim also earned his Master’s degree from Mount Saint Alphonsus. In April of 1974 he married Patricia Galvin in St. Paul, MN. Following their marriage he worked for the Union Pacific Railroad in Nebraska from 1976 until his retirement in 1999. In November of 1999, they moved to Buffalo. Jim loved golfing, visiting with people, reading & volunteering. He was a joyful person with a love of people. He never met a stranger. Jim enjoyed wearing his captain’s hat for tours around Lake Pulaski in his pontoon. His pride & joy were his children & his grandchildren & most importantly, were his faith & family.
Preceded in death by his parents.
Survived by his wife, Pat; children, Lisa (Chad Kochmann) Whalen, Julie (Matt) Dettinger, James (Jennifer) Whalen Jr.; grandchildren, Maria Whalen age 7, Grant Whalen age 5, Benjamin Whalen age 17 mos., Mary Dettinger age 2 & Molly Dettinger age 4 mos.
The Peterson Chapel,Buffalo assisted the family with arrangements.
We are heartbroken for Pat and family. Jim was a wonderful and fun loving member of the family and will be missed greatly.
So sorry to hear this. He was such a nice caring man. We met him at church in Buffalo when there was a mass said for our son. He will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Peace to you,Pat,and to the entire family. I was privileged to have my desk next to Jim’s at Kirkwood from 1956 thru 1958. I can’t remember anyone more focused in that study hall. I fail to recall him ever in a bad mood. Jim was a happy, holy, and favorite classmate to me.
Pat; We are all so very sorry for your loss. Jim was a true friend to everyone he met, very personable and uplifting. Our prayers go out to you and your family.
Jim was such a caring person. Everyone was important to him. We met Jim & Pat at Mass. He was our church family and we will miss him!
Dear Pat and family; I was shocked to hear of Jim’s passing during the prayers today at St. Frances Cabrini in Minneapolis. Jim was always so full of life when I ran into him over the years in church reform circles. He was one of the most upbeat people that I have ever met. He and Pat were the people that always drove the farthest to meet with us. He was truly dedicated to our church and to making it better. And he did make it better. Please know that you are in our prayers at Cabrini. God bless you.
Fr Mike
Pat; We’re so sorry for the loss of your husband. I read it in the bulletin tonight and I’m still in shock! What a wonderful, warm, sweet man…who will be missed by so many! Our prayers are with you and your family. May God bless!