Diane B Whalen

Diane Barbara Whalen passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family and friends, on November 21, 2018 in Davenport, Iowa. She valiantly and courageously battled kidney cancer for over a year and was strong and positive throughout her treatments. Her visitation will be December 8th at Grace Evangelical Free Church, 5520 Eastern Ave, Davenport, Iowa, at 10:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m.

Diane was born in Brooklyn New York on 16 July 1947 to James and Ruby Whalen who predeceased her. At one year old, Diane contracted polio and was hospitalized for one year. She endured many surgeries as a child but persevered throughout her life from the effects of polio but never faltered and her strength is still an inspiration.

Upon her father’s reassignment to Iowa she became a Midwesterner for life and graduated from Dewitt’s Saint Joseph High School in 1965. She was active in the theater department, landing the lead part in the senior play and made many lifelong friends there. After high school, Diane studied at Mt. Scholastica College for two years in Kansas.

After leaving college, Diane was employed at Mercy Hospital in Davenport, Iowa for many years as a Cardiac Catherization Technician. In 1975, she was hired as a typist at the Rock Island Arsenal and eventually worked her way up to Transportation and Traffic Management Specialist with Joint Munitions Command until retiring in 2003. She was always proud of how much she grew from her humble start there and made many beloved friends during her career.

Diane had many interests. She loved dogs and in her earlier years she showed them and always tried to watch the Westminster Dog Show every year. She also liked to crochet and do crafts and made many beautiful items. Travelling was important to her, especially day trips. Her desire to see what the Midwest had to offer led to many adventures and grew a lifelong love of history, culture, and the outdoors in her son Martin, whom she was very proud of and helped mold by actively supporting his interest in reading from an early age. Her faith in Jesus was important and was a great comfort to her and others throughout her trials.

It is always sad to lose a loved one, but Diane’s life touched many people and the inner light she shared will not be forgotten. She had an amazing ability to make friends anytime and anywhere. Neighbors, coworkers, church members, and even staff at restaurants and stores. We will all miss her laughter, kindness, loyalty, compassion, and the love she gave to others.

She leaves behind a son, Martin, a brother, Jim, his wife Cheryl, and their children Mike, Chris, and Lisa, an adopted brother Larry, and an extended family. She also leaves behind her church family, best friends, all her neighbors and coworkers, and everyone else she touched in life.