Richard Alan Whelan
May 24, 1922 - September 12, 2014
Obituary
MONONA – Richard A. “Dick” Whelan, age 92, of Monona, passed away on Friday, Sept. 12, 2014, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. He was a WWII Navy veteran who served stateside. He met his wife, Janet Kleinheinz, at UW-Madison and on June 18, 2014, they celebrated 65 years of marriage. Dick enjoyed writing, word puzzles, reading, travelling & UW Volleyball. He and Jan bicycled in Australia, across Kansas 6 times, the Natchez Trace Trail, and completed three European tours, including pedaling into E.Germany immediately after the Berlin Wall came down. He was an incredible father to his three daughters. He had a wry sense of humor, and until a week ago, was still completing the cryptoquote in the daily paper. Dick is already missed by his wife, Jan; his daughters, Jody (Dharma) Singh, Jenny (Mike) McDiarmid, and Becky (Tom) Streich; his grandchildren, Samantha and Zach; his brothers, Tom and Jerry; and his sister-in-law, Doris. He was preceded in death by his brother, Bob. A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial in Dick’s name to Agrace HospiceCare, which provided compassionate care in Dick’s final days. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
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Memories
MW
Michelle Wack
Other •
Walking into the Fieldhouse in Madison for 7 years and looking up to my right to see Dick and Jan smiling and anxiously awaiting the start of the match . . . .so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet these two people. Rest in peace Dick.
JR
Jim Ryan
Other •
Jodi, Jenny, and Becky, So sorry to read about the loss of your father in this mornings paper. By his obituary, it appeared he was a very adventurous person in his lifetime. You can be very thankful to have him in your lives for such a long time. Hold your warm memories of him close to your heart. May he rest in peace. Jim Ryan
AM
Alexis Mitchell
Other •
I will never forget the constant support both Dick and Jan provided me with during my career at Wisconsin. From the first time I stepped foot on the court In field house to the last time I had the honor of playing there I was fortunate enough to see them cheering in the stands or even get a chance to chat with them after the match. Dick was a part of Wisconsin Volleyball not just a fan. The support we received from both Dick and Jan made being a part of Wisconsin Volleyball so special. My deepest condolences go to the Whelan family. R.I.P Dick.
Alexis Mitchell
Wisconsin Volleyball
2009-2012
AP
Audra Penney
Other •
My experience as a UW Badger volleyball player has been unforgettable thanks in part to wonderful people like Dick and Jan. I will always remember Dick's sense of humor and the fantastic stories he shared about his bike rides around Europe. Dick's love for adventure has inspired me to live life to the fullest and to travel as much as I can. Dick was a special part of the UW Volleyball program and he will forever be remembered as part of the UW family. My thoughts and prayers are with the Whelan family. Audra Penney UW Volleyball 2004-2009.