Shirley Whalen

Shirley Whalen, age 76, of rural Harmony, Minn., passed away in the early morning hours on Sunday, April 23, 2023, surrounded by her family.

Shirley Mae was born on June 26, 1946, to Vendolin “Ven” and Agnes (Anderson) Beckman in Cresco, Iowa.  She attended Harmony High School, graduating with the Class of 1964.

On May 13, 1967, Shirley married the love of her life, David Whalen at the Nativity Catholic Church in Harmony.  To this union four children were born.  Shirley and Dave farmed together for many years.  Shirley was very active with the day to day operations of the farm.  Her working career included several years with Harmony Livestock Sales and she dedicated 32 years as a CNA at the Harmony Nursing Home. 

There is no question that Shirley was a hard worker, but she also found time to cherish the little things that brought her joy. Shirley enjoyed spending time on the water with her fishing pole, raising bunny rabbits, playing cards (especially euchre), watching the Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune and Let’s Make a Deal, roller skating and bowling.  She loved being a grandma and great-grandma and attended countless events and activities not only for her own grandchildren, but for all the special kids that became part of her life.  She enjoyed having company and welcomed everyone who stopped to come in and visit, always making sure no one left her kitchen hungry.  Shirley loved her family and friends very much and cherished their time together.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 55 years, David Whalen; four children: Jodi (Neal) Schilling of Altura, Minn., Julie (Blaine) Christopher of Bluffton, Iowa, Anita (Jason) Young of Reedsburg, Wis., and Paul (Christa) Whalen of Bluffton; grandchildren Brooke (Blake) Lea and their children Cayden, Cal and Clay; Blair (Collin Rain) Schilling, Blake (Gabby Speltz) Schilling, Brycen Whalen, Brynlee Whalen, Sophia Hammel, Max Hammel and Kinzee Whalen. She is also survived by her siblings Mary Ryan and Jim Beckman, a niece, Raeanne Ryan; and a nephew, Phil (Elaine) Ryan.

She is preceded in death by her parents, grandson Remington David Whalen, father- and mother-in-law Paul and Zola Whalen, sister-in-law Paulette Henry, brother-in-law John Ryan, nephew Todd Henry and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 28, 2023, at Assumption Catholic Church in Canton, Minn.  Visitation will be held from 4–7 p.m. on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Lindstrom Funeral Home in Harmony and again one hour prior to services at the church on Friday morning, beginning at 10 a.m.  Lindstrom Funeral Home is handling arrangements.