Michael Joseph Whelan

Michael Joseph (Mike) Whelan, 84, of Prospect Heights, IL passed away on January 26, 2016, in Boynton Beach, FL. Born September 29, 1931 in Simonstown, Moone, Kildare, Ireland, he was the son of the late Michael and Ann nee Loftus. Beloved husband of almost 50 years of Mary nee McDonagh; devoted father of Michael (Sarah), Bernadette (Thomas) O’Leary, Thomas (Colleen) and Michelle (Thomas) O’Carroll; proud Papa of Michael, Peter, John and Cecelia Whelan; Tiehg, Aisling and Cormac O’Leary; Mary Frances and Thomas Whelan; and Grace and Danny O’Carroll; loving brother of Mary (Martin) O’Malley of Chicago; Brigid (Sean) O’Mahony of Dublin and Donegal Ireland; Patrick (Catherine) Whelan of Kildare, Ireland; Margaret (the late Gene) Shillington of Costa Mesa, California; John Whelan of Corona Del Mar, California; Anne (the late Dr. Peter) O’Callaghan of Dublin, Ireland; and the late Philomena (Thomas) O’Connell of Kildare, Ireland. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews and friend to many. Mike immigrated to the United States in 1956 and began work as a butcher. He met the love of his life and best friend at the Holiday Ballroom in Chicago. Mike and Mary were married on April 23, 1966. He started Mike’s Landscaping which grew into Whelan’s Nursery and Shamrock Garden Center. He loved all sports but especially the Gaelic games of hurling and football. He was an active member of several Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) clubs, including St. Vincent’s, Erin’s Own, and Padraig Pearse. For the last fifty years he often made an annual trip to Ireland to visit family and friends and attend GAA games in Croke Park, and the Listowel horse races. For over forty years, he was an active parishioner of St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church, serving as an usher and a member of the Garden and PADS ministries. Mike and Mary spent the last 15 winters in Boynton Beach, Florida where he cherished his Sterling Village and Shamrock Club friends and golfing, playing cards, and spending time at the horse racing track. Mike was loved for his boundless energy and positive outlook and he saw the good in everyone. Mike was guided by his strong faith and love of family and friends. Visitation Friday 3-9 PM at Matz Funeral Home 410 E. Rand Road, Mt.Prospect and Saturday 11:30 AM until Mass of Christian Burial 12:30 PM at St. Alphonsus Ligouri Church 411 N. Wheeling Rd., Prospect Heights. Interment All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Alphonsus Ligouri Church.

Michael Joseph Whelan

September 29, 1931 - January 26, 2016