Donald E Whelan, Sr

DONALD E. WHELAN, SR. , 80, of Evansille, Illinois, passed away at 1:34 pm, Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, Illinois.

He was born to the late Edward G. and Lucille A. (nee Johanning) Whelan on November 2, 1944, in Red Bud, Illinois.

Donald married Janet Caroline Burmester on September 25, 1965, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Red Bud (Prairie), Illinois; she preceded him in death on December 30, 2018.

He was a heavy equipment operator for Whelan Brothers Construction for over 35 years. After his retirement, he worked at Ruma Convent for over 5 years until it closed. He also farmed throughout his life.

Donald was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Evansville, Illinois, where he was very active and served as an Elder and Trustee. He and Janet felt very strongly about Christian education. They were instrumental in building Christ Our Savior Lutheran High School, where they spent many hours helping with planning, building, and fundraising.

Donald enjoyed helping others and volunteering his time, from church to lunch stands to Special Olympics and hosting special needs day camps at their farm. He was known as “the fixer,” and there wasn’t much his wife dreamt up that he couldn’t make happen. From costumes to building Noah’s Ark and a fiery furnace for plays, he would make it happen.

Donald enjoyed camping, nature, and bluegrass festivals. Most of all, he loved spending time with family, especially his grandkids, piddling in the shed and sitting on the front porch with his furry friends, enjoying his music, and watching the sunset.

Survivors:

3 Children:

Dwayne (Karen) Whelan

Douglas (Nancy) Whelan

Delana Whelan

7 Grandchildren:

Gavin Braun, Merideth Whelan, William Whelan, Benjamin Whelan, Derek Whelan, Julia Whelan, and Jenna Whelan

Several Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Friends

Preceded in Death by: Parents, Wife, 2 Sons – Darrick Whelan and Donald “Donnie” E. Whelan, Jr. and 1 Brother & Sister-in-law – Ronald & Gerladine “Geri” Whelan

Funeral Service:

11:00 am, Tuesday, April 22, 2025

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Evansville, Illinois

Officiating:

Rev. Randy Fischer

Interment:

St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery

Evansville, Illinois

Visitation:

Monday – 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Tuesday – 10:00 am – 11:00 am

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Evansville, Illinois

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church or Family Wishes.