Howard Joseph Whelan, Jr.
November 4, 1921 - February 21, 2009
Obituary
Howard Joseph Whelan, Jr.
Howard died February 21, 2009. Born, November 4, 1921 in Baltimore, MD to Marie Kempf and Howard J. Whelan, he graduated from Loyola College in Chemical Engineering, served in the Army Infantry during World War II. Maryann Freiert Whelan his bride of 50+ years predeceased him in1999.
An aerospace engineer, he moved his family to Utah Thiokol then Seattle Boeing. He and Maryann were active parishioners at St. Thomas in Logan, Utah and St. Francis in Burien, Washington. Daughters Patricia Fulton Bob, Clare Whelan Ed Williams, Maureen Brundage Eric, and sons, Howard J. Whelan, III Rosy and Brian Whelan Peggy enjoyed skiing and hiking with their father.
Science was his profession, but music and writing his passion. ‘Bud’ played in his father’s band then led his own orchestra which included brother James J. Whelan. He published numerous articles and a diary most years of his life. His World War II letters are published in the Maryland Historical Society Library of Maryland History
He and Maryann have 19 Grandchildren and their spouses and 8 great-grandchildren.
His final home was Poulsbo where he attended St. Olaf’s Catholic Church and loved to dance at the Elk’s in Bremerton along with Peggy Whelan, Betty Nielsen and Lowell Lindstrom.
Grandchildren include Michael Meagher Rachel, John Meagher Tasha, James Meagher Annie, Phil Meagher, Skye Marr-Whelan, Josh Whelan Jennifer, Marissa Rosano James, Katie Brundage, Amy Whelan, Angie Brundage, Gabriel Whelan, Jennifer Gribble David and Becca Dawson Tim. Great Grandchildren include Brittany and Natalie Meagher, Riley and Clint Meagher, Audrey Whelan, Caleb and Levi Dawson and Alex Gribble.
Dear to him are his brother’s wife Helen Whelan and children Jim, Debbie George Groleau, Helen Whelan Bashaw, Michael and Timothy. He shared a reunion in Baltimore this past October with cousin Honey Tewey and friends Joseph Smith and Julius Schatel.
A viewing and memorial service will be held Thursday, February 26, 2009, 2 p.m. at St. Olaf’s Catholic Church, 18943 Caldart Avenue NE, Poulsbo, WA, 98370, 360-779-6558. The committal service is Friday, February 27, 2009, 2 p.m., at Gethsemane Catholic Cemetery, 37600 Pacific Highway South, Federal Way, WA 98003, 253-838-2240.
3/06/09
I received notice of your Dads death today. Our condolences to all of you. Your parents will always be a part of our history, fondly remembered. One of many memories fondly recalled is spending evenings at their home in Logan playing Nile. Your Dad was a good sport and your Mother and I laughed our heads off.
Love,
Donna
To my cousins out West,
I cannot remember that much about Uncle Howard but I do remember my Aunt MaryAnn.
I pray that you have faith in knowing that they are once again together and preparing a way for all of us.
Until we once again meet and party together, my deepest condolences.
I have requested information from St Olaf’s on Celebrations of Masses of Rembrance for you daD.
With love from a distance, Gene Freiert.
To All Our Whelan Cousins and their Families,
I have very fond memories of our Uncle Howard and Aunt Mary Ann. When they would visit us, they always seemed so happy and their smiles never left the faces. They always wanted to catch us up on how their wonderful children were doing in all parts of the world. You all made them so proud of each and everyone of you, and they loved you all deeply. What a great couple!! We will miss them, but we will never, ever forget them. Thank you for sharing your Dad and Mom with Us.
With Love and Prayers,
John
Clare and family – My connection to the whalen family came by way two key people in my life, and while Howard was alive I had a chance to extend a moment of kindness to him one jazzy evening at a place called Tula’s, thanks Clare.
To All of my cousins,
I will always have fond and cherished memories of when Uncle Howard and Aunt Maryann would come to visit and stay with me, when they came back to visit. The stories of the family always made me feel great and I new how much they adored their children.
I’ll never forget Uncle Howard sitting up til late in the evening writing in his journal, and when I would ask him what he was writing, he always would tell me his thoughts for the day. I count myself fortunate to have had him for my uncle.
Please always celebrate his life, as I know he is happily looking down with us with Aunt Maryann now.
God Bless all of you.
Your cousin,
Mark
My journey through life was blessed the day I met Howard. He was a man I admired and looked up to during my younger years. I believe that he helped form the person who I am today.
They say” It takes a whole village to raise a child.” I felt that Howard was not only a dear friend, but a father also.
He will be missed by all and may he rest in peace.
Thanks Howard.
Dear Family of Howard Whelan,
I want to express my sincere sympathy for the loss of your loved one. You can be assured that hope and encouragement needed is found in the Bible. In the Bible book of Revelations 21, 4 we read of a time when every tear will be wiped from our eyes. Please take care of yourselves.
Sincerely