Obituary of Dale Lawrence Whalen
Dale “Arty” L Whalen, of Las Vegas NV, passed after his courageous battle with cancer on 3/22/2020 with his loving wife at his side. Dale was 62 and will be greatly missed by many.
Dale was born 8/30/1957 in Chicago, IL, to parents Harold Thomas Whalen and Gloria “Jean” Whalen. Dale lived nearly 40 years in a wheelchair, after an automobile accident, and was an inspiration to others to better appreciate life regardless of their situation. Many friends and family remember Dale as having a positive outlook on life, hilarious sense of humor, a heart of gold, and ALWAYS with a huge smile on his face.
Prior to being in a wheelchair, Dale was a certified auto mechanic for Illinois Bell and an IBEW Local 165 member. In his younger years, Dale loved playing catcher in baseball and goalie in Hockey. Dale was an avid Chicago sports fan, enjoying many Bears and White Sox games with family and friends. In addition to his love of sports, Dale also loved going to live concerts, and most especially, Aerosmith, where he once sang on stage with Steven Tyler.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Patty, nee Stout; brother Scott (Marge) Whalen; brother-in-law Michael Stout, sisters-in-law Julie (Rob) Tucker and Cathy Stout;beloved aunt Marianne Rundle; cherished nieces and nephews, Melissa (Ben) Schooler, Cailey (Mike) Mazur, Andy Tucker, Beth (Jon) Wojdula, Cam Tucker, Michelle Stout and Meg Tucker; plus several cousins, including dear cousin Dolly (Chris) Czaja.
Dale chose to be cremated and will be interred at Fairmount-Willow Hills Memorial Park cemetery (Lot 19, Section 59, Grave 7) beside his parents. Due to the current pandemic a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
After being diagnosed with cancer and enduring difficult treatments and surgeries, Dale could not bear the thought of children going through the same. For that reason, donations in memory of Dale may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or to the charity of your choice.
I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free;
I took His hand when I heard Him call;
I turned my back and left it all.
If my parting has left a void;
then fill it with remembered joy.
My life’s been full, I savored much;
good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss;
ah yes, these things, I too, will miss.
Perhaps my time seemed all to brief;
don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and share with me;
God wanted me now. He set me free.