Larry L. Whalen, 84 of Rochester passed away on April 30, 2017, at his home surrounded by family.
Larry was born on November 18, 1932 in rural Canton, MN to Paul and Myrtle (Roche) Whalen. Following graduation from Canton High School, he enlisted in the United States Army. Larry was stationed in Germany for 18 months. After the Army, Larry moved to Endicott, New York for employment with IBM and was later transferred to IBM Rochester. On August 27, 1959, he married Shirley Stortz at St. Agnes Church near Canton, MN. The couple was married for 57 years and made their home in Rochester where they raised their six children.
Larry loved dancing and frequented the VFW Post 1215 in Rochester with Shirley and many friends. He was a skilled wood cutter and took great pride in building his fires. Larry raised his children amongst horses, camping and snowmobiles. Larry loved his devoted horse, Prince, and spent many weekends riding horses and camping at Forestville State Park.
Larry’s true pride and joy were his six children and eleven grandchildren. He was smitten by his grandchildren and spent many hours giving them wheelbarrow rides and taking them for walks. Although he was small in stature, he was large in presence and enjoyed family and good times.
Larry is survived by his wife Shirley of Rochester, his children: Gerald (Linda) of Lakeville, MN, Richard (Peggy) of Winona, MN, Steven (Anna) of Burnsville, MN, LaRita (Kevin) Fenske of Watertown, MN, Cory (Tara) of Eagan, MN, Todd (Heather) of Hager City, WI, brothers Edward (Sandra) of Canton, MN, LaVern (Neldah) of Rochester, MN, grandchildren: Angela (Jon), Jesse (Kally), Tatum, Zachary, Shawna, Shannon, Ryan, Aaron, Jason, Charlie, and Willow. He is preceded in death by his parents, a twin brother Louis, and siblings: Harold, Quinton, Paul, Delone, Joseph, and Lucy.
The Funeral Mass for Larry will be at 11:30AM at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church on Saturday, May 6, 2017 officiated by Father John P. Wilmot. Visitation will be held from 5:00PM until 8:00PM in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home on Friday, May 5, 2017 and one hour prior to the Mass. Burial will be at approximately 3:00PM in the St. Agnes Plymouth Rock Cemetery near Burr Oak, IA with military honors.
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