Oklee – Heaven was in for one heck of an awakening when Timothy Mark Whalen Sr. showed up suddenly on Sunday, January 24, 2021. He passed away at Sanford Medical Center, Thief River Falls, of natural causes. With his sense of humor and gift of storytelling, the angels are sure to be kept on their toes in a constant state of laughter. There will be one very special boy waiting to greet him, his beloved son and constant sidekick, Tommy, oh what a reunion that will be.
Timothy Mark Whalen was born September 27, 1950 in Thief River Falls, the son of George and Esther (Bluemke) Whalen. He grew up on the family farm north of Oklee. He was baptized, had first communion, and was confirmed at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Tim attended school in Oklee, graduating in May with the class of 1968. Following high school, Tim worked north of Duluth for 1 year.
On graduation night, he asked his classmate of 12 years, Linda Champagne on their first date. On February 13, 1971, Tim was united in marriage to Linda Champagne at St. Francis Xavier Church in Oklee. To this union seven children were born, Christy (Mouse), Tiffany (Pooh Bear), Kim (Ralph), Terry (Teige), Katie (Squiggy), Tommy (King Sput/Sir Thomas) and Timmy (Bear). They purchased a home in Equality Township, north of Oklee where they have continued to reside and raise their wonderful children. If you thought, he loved his kids you should see how he loved his grandchildren. He was a very proud grandfather to 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. When Tim talked about his family he would say “we may not have much money, but we are very rich indeed.” He was the kind of father who would share the writings of Mark Twain and the appreciation of history. Tractor rides, gardening, good home cooked meals and lots of laughter are always going to be favorite memories we all share of Grandpa Tim.
Tim was known for telling a great story or making up a song or limerick quicker than a buckshot. He could crack a joke that could make a grown man blush and mothers run to cover the ears of young children who may be playing within earshot. He was notorious for doing the “pull my finger” trick on unsuspecting children (or adults) it didn’t matter! You could always tell he was going to come up with something good when his blue eyes twinkled. He was unapologetically himself and we loved him for it. He was very proud of his Irish heritage, could be stubborn as a Billy goat but he loved with all his heart. Tim was a walking history book. He could tell you who homesteaded most of the farms around the area. He loved to visit with the “old-timers” around town especially Happy Hince, Tom Tolouse, Fritz Thorpe, Tom Melby and Otto Cousins. He always claimed he was born 100 years too late. Tim loved to work on old tractors, was often called for advice and loved collecting toy tractors and implements.
Tim worked 4 years at Arctic Cat, 1 year at Hydro-Mac, Toreq making field scrapers and back to Arctic Cat for 13 years. Tim’s favorite job in life was taking care of his son, Tommy. They could often be seen driving the big red pick-up and doing errands around town. When Tom died, Tim missed him greatly.
He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Church, Oklee and a member of the NRA.
Left to mourn Tim are his wife of 49 years and 11 months, Linda; his daughters, Christina (Martin) Sørensen, Tiffany (Kevin) Tvedt, Kimberly (Jason) Ventura, Katherine (Bo) Tobiasen; his sons, Terence (Sarah) Whalen and Timothy (Anisia) Whalen Jr.; grandchildren, Ariel (Andre Rasmussen) Whalen, Patrick (Line Schmidtke Eriksen) Hågensen, George Hågensen, Oliver Sørensen, Brock & Ryan Tvedt, Zachary (Casandra) Grove, Brady Grove, Chase, Carlee & Claire Whalen, Gavin & Gabriella Tobiasen, Natalia, Nick, Evelyn & Logan Whalen; great-grandchildren, Synnøve Whalen Rasmussen and William Schmidtke Hågensen; siblings, Mike Whalen, Angela Radniecki and Greg (Deb) Whalen; brother-in-law, Duane Carriere; family cat, Moocher; and many other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by son, Tom; parents; sisters, Sharon Carriere and Joyce (Jerry) Johnson; brother-in-law, Dean Radniecki; sister-in-law, Sandy Whalen; mother & father-in-law, Norma & Bill Champagne; and several other relatives and close friends.
Public visitation was held on Friday, January 29, 2021 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Oklee. Private family Mass of Christian Burial followed at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with Father Adam Hamness presiding. Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in July 2021.
Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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Timothy M. Whalen Sr.
