Dennis Whalen

Dennis R. Whalen, 55, of Vinton died Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. Graveside services will be held Thursday, June 11 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Lycurgus Cemetery in rural Waukon, with Fr. Mark Osterhaus officiating, and will also be live streamed on Martin Funeral Home’s Facebook page.

Martin Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to Joe Whalen at 112 South Main, P.O. Box 66, Crawfordsville, IA, 52621.

Dennis Raymond Whalen was born October 17, 1964 in Waukon, the son of Donald and Bernadette (Larkin) Whalen. He was baptized at St. Mary’s Lycurgus Catholic Church in rural Lansing. Dennis lived in the Iowa City, Cedar Rapids and Vinton area for several years. When he entered a room his mischievous smile would melt your heart.

Dennis loved spending time with his family, big home cooked meals, back rubs, baseball caps, sunglasses, and going for car rides. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan.

Survivors include his mother, Bernadette Whalen of Waukon; four brothers: Patrick (Karen) Whalen of Lansing, Thomas (Laurie) Whalen of Dawsonville, GA, Joseph (Tina) Whalen of Crawfordsville and Jerry (Kris) Whalen of Eugene, OR; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Donald; and a sister, Rita Whalen.

The family would like to give a special thanks to REM Homes staff in Vinton for their loving care of Dennis over the years. They would also like to say thanks to the caring staff of Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton, St. Luke’s Hospital and Hospice of Cedar Rapids, who all provided gentle care at the time of need for Dennis.

Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.