William "Bill" M. Whalen

William “Bill” M. Whalen, 71, passed away in his hometown of Rockford, Illinois on December 18, 2023. Born on May 3, 1952, the youngest of three sons to Frank and Marjorie (Larkin) Whalen. A 1970 graduate of Boylan Catholic High School, Bill went on to graduate with his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northern Illinois University. He married Meg Bartel on November 13, 1982, at St. James Catholic church in Rockford. Bill was a versatile employee, working in fields ranging from Sundstand/Suntec for over 25 years as a machinist, facilities in the RPS205 district, and UPS where he officially retired in April of 2023. He also enjoyed being active with the boy scouts with his sons, volunteering with the democratic party, and over the years donating over 10 gallons of blood to the Northern Illinois blood bank.

He will be missed by those who loved him most, his wife of 41 years, Meg; their sons Michael and Jimmy (Meghan) Whalen; grandchildren Ella, Thomas, Trevor, Victoria, and Tucker; Brothers Frank and Charlie (Anita) Whalen; nieces and nephews Stephen (Linda) Whalen, Mary (Bill) Holada, Charles (Julie) and Julia Whalen; beloved family dogs, Roscoe and Sonny. He is predeceased by his parents and sister-in-law Helen Whalen.

Burial will take place privately at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Apple River, Illinois. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois assisted the family. to send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com